convergence

Also con·ver·gen·cy

[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.

7. Biology.,  similarity of form or structure caused by environment rather than heredity.

convergence

/ kənˈvɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. Also called: convergency. 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 called: convergent 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

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 Word Forms

• nonconvergence noun
• nonconvergency noun
• reconvergence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of convergence¹

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

Example Sentences

The result, legal specialists say, has been a convergence of workplace standards across both sides of the Atlantic.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

This convergence of computation and biology will usher in an era not only of curing disease but of preventing it altogether.

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The problem is that there’s no space for convergence from both sides where they can work together, so there’s no bridges they can rely on to come together.

Read more on Salon

Season 4 has an episode that rivals “Fishes” in its star power convergence and runtime, although its mood is that strenuous hour’s opposite — it’s frantic for different reasons.

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Few inflection moments in American history have shaped our society quite like the convergence of war, technological advancement, old-fashioned prejudice and artistic expression during the summer of 1969.

Read more on Los Angeles Times