Abstract: A pumping element for pressurizing a fluid within a fluid pump includes a plunger reciprocally disposed within a bore defined in a pump housing. The plunger and housing at least partially define a pressurization chamber into which fluid is pressurized. A flow path is defined between the plunger and the bore, the flow path permitting fluid to pass from the pressurization chamber during pressurization of fluid disposed therein. A weep annulus is formed between the plunger and the bore, the weep annulus being disposed adjacent to the bore and being part of a cooling circuit for the pumping element. The housing further defines cooling and drain passages which are in fluid communication with one another via the weep annulus. The plunger an bore are convectively cooled when cooling fluid is supplied to the weep annulus via the cooling passage and drained away via the drain passage.