熱伝導

• Reading: ねつでんどう
• Romaji: netsudendō
• Kanji breakdown: 熱 (netsu/atsu-) — heat; 伝 (den/tsuta-) — transmit; 導 (dō/michibi-) — guide, conduct
• Pronunciation: /ne.tsɯ.de.ɴ.doː/

Meaning

Thermal conduction; the transfer of heat through a material from a region of higher temperature to one of lower temperature by direct particle interaction.

A noun (also suru-verb) covering one of three mechanisms of heat transfer, alongside 対流 (convection) and 輻射 (radiation). 熱伝導率 (thermal conductivity, λ) quantifies how efficiently a material conducts heat. High conductors include metals; low conductors (insulators) include wood, air, and aerogel. Applications range from cookware design to building insulation and CPU cooling.

Examples

1. 金属の熱伝導率は木材や空気と比べてはるかに高く、触れると冷たく感じる。 The thermal conductivity of metals is far higher than that of wood or air, which is why they feel cold to the touch.
2. ヒートシンクは熱伝導を利用してCPUから発生する熱を効率よく放散する。 Heat sinks use thermal conduction to efficiently dissipate heat generated by the CPU.
3. 断熱材は熱伝導を最小限に抑えることで建物のエネルギー効率を向上させる。 Insulation materials improve a building's energy efficiency by minimizing thermal conduction.

Usage Guide

Context: physics, materials science, engineering, building science

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 熱 (netsu — heat) and 伝導 (dendō — conduction, transmission). 伝導 itself combines 伝 (transmit) and 導 (lead, guide), giving the full meaning 'leading heat through a substance'.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Students and professionals

Social background: Technical