noun

conduction

kun-DUK-shun/kənˈdʌkʃn/

The transfer of energy through matter.

Heat reaches the spoon's handle by conduction through the metal.

A metal spoon rests in a mug of hot water, with a restrained warm orange glow gradient moving from submerged spoon bowl along the solid handle to illustrate heat conduction through metal; steam rises from water.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with

+ductLatinto lead

+ionLatinaction or process

The pieces express an act of leading together. The meaning shifted from guidance to conveying liquids through a channel, then to the physical transmission of heat and other energy through a substance.

In context

NPTEL IIT Bombay13:02

dielectric constant the materials can be characterized very easily. What is electrical conductivity? As the name suggests is a conduction of current through the porous media and the ease of conduction of the current.

Week 10-Lecture 45

More examples

Copper allows efficient electrical conduction in household wiring.
A thick oven mitt slows heat conduction to your hand.
Some hearing devices use bone conduction to carry sound.

Forms

conduction

conduct verb — To carry heat or electricity through matter.

conductive adjective — Able to transmit heat or electricity.

Similar words

transmission: Covers energy or signals passing through materials or space.
transfer: Names movement generally, not specifically energy passing through matter.