convergent

[ kuhn-vur-juhnt ]

adjective

1. characterized by convergence; tending to come together; merging.

convergent

/ kənˈvɜːdʒənt /

adjective

1. (of two or more lines, paths, etc) moving towards or meeting at some common point
2. (of forces, ideas, etc) tending towards the same result; merging
3. maths (of an infinite series) having a finite limit

Other Words From

• con·vergent·ly adverb
• noncon·vergent adjective
• uncon·vergent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convergent¹

First recorded in 1720–30, convergent is from the Late Latin word convergent- (stem of convergēns, present participle of convergere ). See converge, -ent

Example Sentences

McInerney was lead author on a study on convergent evolution in bacteria that helps us understand how this background might work, and to distinguish these two ways convergence may occur.

From Salon

Dolphins and bats both utilizing echolocation or birds and bugs both having wings are other examples of convergent evolution.

From Salon

"Our research highlights a fascinating example of convergent evolution, where ferns and flowering plants independently developed similar strategies to defend themselves against predation by recruiting ant defenders with nectaries," said Suissa.

From Science Daily

“The U.S., Japan, and the Philippines are three closely aligned maritime democracies with increasingly convergent strategic objectives and interests,” Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser, said on Tuesday.

From New York Times

The sunflower family tree revealed that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently, a process called convergent evolution, among the members of this large plant family, according to a new analysis.

From Science Daily