Physics. [ad. L. convectiōn-em, n. of action from convehĕre: see prec.] The action of carrying; conveyance; spec. the transportation of heat or electricity by the movement of a heated or electrified substance, as in the ascension of heated air or water.
1623. Cockeram, Conuexion, a bearing.
1834. W. Prout, Bridgew. Treat., 256. The process by which heat is communicated through water, we have termed convection.
1863. Tyndall, Heat, 181.
1869. E. A. Parkes, Pract. Hygiene (ed. 3), 371. Heat is communicated by radiation, conduction, and convection.
1881. Maxwell, Electr. & Magn., I. 56. The passage of electricity from one place to another by the motion of charged particles is called Electrical Convection or Convective Discharge.
b. attrib., as in convection current.
1868. B. Stewart, in Macm. Mag., July, 254. There are … convection currents in constant operation all over the disc.
