# convective

/kənˈvɛktɪv/ (US) · /kənvˈɛktɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/convective
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

describing the movement of heat or air caused by the flow of a liquid or gas. You use this when talking about how heat moves in the atmosphere or in a pot of soup.

For teachers: relating to or denoting the transfer of heat or other properties by the movement of a fluid. Often used in meteorology to describe atmospheric processes or in physics to describe fluid dynamics.

## Examples

- The storm was caused by strong convective currents in the atmosphere.
- Meteorologists use satellite data to track convective activity, which often leads to the formation of thunderstorms.
- In a convective system, the fluid's density changes as it heats, creating a continuous cycle of rising and falling currents that distribute thermal energy throughout the medium.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.