convergence

[ kuhn-vur-juhns ]

noun

1. an act or instance of converging.
2. a convergent state or quality.
3. the degree or point at which lines, objects, etc., converge.
4. Ophthalmology. a coordinated turning of the eyes to bear upon a near point.
5. Physics.
   1. the contraction of a vector field.
   2. a measure of this.
6. Meteorology. a net flow of air into a given region. Compare divergence ( def 2 ).
7. Biology. similarity of form or structure caused by environment rather than heredity.

convergence

/ kənˈvɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. Also calledconvergency the act, degree, or a point of converging
2. concurrence of opinions, results, etc
3. maths the property or manner of approaching a finite limit, esp of an infinite series

   conditional convergence

4. the combining of different forms of electronic technology, such as data processing and word processing converging into information processing
5. Also calledconvergent evolution the evolutionary development of a superficial resemblance between unrelated animals that occupy a similar environment, as in the evolution of wings in birds and bats
6. meteorol an accumulation of air in a region that has a greater inflow than outflow of air, often giving rise to vertical air currents See also Intertropical Convergence Zone
7. the turning of the eyes inwards in order to fixate an object nearer than that previously being fixated Compare divergence

convergence

/ kən-vûr′jəns /

1. Mathematics.
   The property or manner of approaching a limit, such as a point, line, or value.
2. Biology.
   The evolution of superficially similar structures in unrelated species as they adapt to similar environments. Examples of convergence are the development of fins independently in both fish and whales and of wings in insects, birds, and bats.
3. Biology.
   Also called convergent evolution
4. Biology.
   Compare divergence

Other Words From

• noncon·vergence noun
• noncon·vergen·cy noun
• recon·vergence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of convergence¹

First recorded in 1705–15; converg(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

To optimize campaigns as effectively as possible, brands need to pivot their strategies to prepare for the convergence of digital and linear.

From Digiday

When the 2018 NFL season ended, the principals’ convergence would have been unimaginable.

From Washington Post

Two whales we tracked offshore from the Auckland Islands in 2009 visited the subtropical convergence, but hundreds of miles to the east of Bill’s current location.

From Popular-Science

He argues that at some point between the late 1980s and the turn of the century, a convergence of societal trends took us into a new regime of time that he calls “presentism.”

From MIT Technology Review

Today, we’re experiencing the convergence of content with all things digital.

From Search Engine Watch

The convergence of these signs lit Morris up like a firecracker.

From The Daily Beast

Republican political operatives say the gains the GOP is set to make are due to a convergence of causes.

From The Daily Beast

It was this complete convergence of events and really kismet, what happened to Marge Gunderson.

From The Daily Beast

But regardless of their different lenses, she said, “there seems to be a convergence of interests” between the two sides.

From The Daily Beast

The Princess's funeral was a stunning convergence of the powerful and the beautiful, the poor and the afflicted.

From The Daily Beast

We tried to edge nearer her, but she was just beyond the convergence of two side currents which pushed us even further away.

From Project Gutenberg

This defect is corrected by convex glasses, which increase the convergence of the incident rays.

From Project Gutenberg

As they started toward the convergence of sailors at the entrance of the mess hall, Urson said, "Oh, guess what?"

From Project Gutenberg

There exists, however, a certain connection between accommodation and convergence of the visual lines.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the causes which promote the occurrence of squint, Donders mentions also conditions which diminish convergence.

From Project Gutenberg