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View synonyms for divergence

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-vûrjəns /

  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


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Other Words From

  • nondi·vergence noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of divergence1

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

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Example Sentences

This divergence has provoked some economists to argue the Gini should be put back in its bottle, while others defend its continued use.

From Quartz

It’s another indicator of the divergence in how the downturn has been experienced in the country.

Key physical and cultural milestones in modern human evolution, including genetic divergence of ethnic groups.

The divergence came to a head quickly, during the overhaul of NAFTA, which Lighthizer conducted at warp speed for a trade agreement.

Of course, there is also divergence in moral views, and it’s a challenge for any believer in objective value to explain this.

The increasing tension between Obama's team and Bibi's reflects this basic divergence in interests.

Tris refuses to conform to societal conventions, both in terms of her divergence and her sexuality.

And this divergence is taking place even as defense spending is being cut due to the sequester.

The study weighed more than a dozen factors to see which were causing the divergence in mortality rates.

This divergence has an impact on other measurements of social health.

Yet the divergence of these Nonjurors from the National Church was, after all, far more apparent than real.

The reason for this apparent divergence between the provisions of the statute and the facts of the case is given by Burnet.

Every one who spoke had studied the data and the ground and there was no divergence of view, which was a comfort.

This ceremony was common to all; but here divergence set in.

Yet there are "many traces of apparent anachronism," of divergence from the more antique picture of life.

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