divergence

[ dih-vur-juhns, dahy- ]

noun

1. the act, fact, or amount of diverging:

   a divergence in opinion.

   Synonyms: deviation, variation, division, separation

   Antonyms: convergence

2. (in physics, meteorology, etc.) the total amount of flux escaping an infinitesimal volume at a point in a vector field, as the net flow of air from a given region.
3. Ophthalmology. a turning motion of the eyeballs outward in relation to each other.
4. Electronics. the spreading of a stream of electrons resulting from their mutual electrostatic repulsion.

divergence

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges
2. the condition of being divergent
3. meteorol the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air
4. maths
   1. the scalar product of the operator, ∇, and a vector function, A , where ∇= i ∂/∂ x + j ∂/∂ y + k ∂/∂ z , and i , j , and k are unit vectors. Usually written: div A , ∇ A , or ∇A. See curl gradient
   2. the property of being divergent
5. the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion
6. the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixated Compare convergence
7. Also calleddivergent evolution the evolutionary development of structures or organisms that differ from each other in form and function but have evolved from the same basic structure or organism Compare convergence

divergence

/ dĭ-vûr′jəns /

1. Mathematics.
   The property or manner of failing to approach a limit, such as a point, line, or value.
2. Biology.
   The evolution of different forms or structures in related species as they adapt to different environments. An example of divergence is the development of wings in bats from the same bones that form the arm and hand or paw in most other mammals.
3. Biology.
   Also called divergent evolution
4. Biology.
   Compare convergence

Other Words From

• nondi·vergence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of divergence¹

From the Medieval Latin word dīvergentia, dating back to 1650–60. See diverge, -ence

Example Sentences

That gives some sense of where the divergence took place.

From Slate

Even the field operations of the two campaigns reflected this divergence.

From Salon

They’ve desperately insulated themselves against divergence, seizing the center and installing themselves as the arbiters of what’s natural and correct, in order to avoid ever having to face the reality of their own warped principles.

From Slate

Where do you stand on this divergence of analysis and conclusions?

From Salon

There is also significant divergence in how miscarriages are reported - that is the loss of a baby before the 24th week of pregnancy in the UK, or 23rd week in Ireland.

From BBC

Related Words

• discrepancy
• disparity
• distinction
• diversity