convergence

American  

[kuhn-vur-juhns] / kənˈvɜr dʒəns /

Also convergency

noun

• convergences
  plural

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.

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convergence British  

/ 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

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convergence Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonconvergence
  noun
• nonconvergency
  noun
• reconvergence
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• convergences
  plural

Etymology

Origin of convergence

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

Explanation

Convergence is when two or more things come together to form a new whole, like the convergence of plum and apricot genes in the plucot. Convergence comes from the prefix con-, meaning together, and the verb verge, which means to turn toward. We can use convergence to describe things that are in the process of coming together, like the slow convergence of your opinions with those of your mother, or for things that have already come together, like the convergence of two roads, or for the place where two things already overlap, like the convergence of your aunt's crazy wardrobe with avant-garde fashion.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

convergence convergences

A rare convergence of a powerful El Niño, super king tides and sea level rise spurred by climate change could menace California with record coastal flooding this winter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

The convergence of investing, trading and sports betting may be getting a major shot in the arm — or shot on goal — starting with 32 new exchange-traded funds.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

"I couldn't believe the convergence of elements being so close to my life because we've got a deaf character," she says.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

That convergence may be one of the most revealing aspects of Hemani.

From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026

The convergence of technology, science, and medicine was on display everywhere you looked.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Those convergences refer to Washington's sudden policy shift in engaging Russia directly.

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2025

It’s a movement that already has many convergences and branches, with many stories to tell, and it’s emerging organically and happening fast.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 26, 2024

These data enabled the team to analyse the evolutionary trajectories of these two species in order to detect possible convergences, i.e. cases of independent evolution of similar morphologies.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 15, 2023

The side-by-side visits of two East Asian leaders to two warring European capitals are just the latest in a growing list of convergences between Atlantic and Indo-Pacific alliances and rivalries.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 21, 2023

Such similar adaptations to similar needs, occurring in animals not nearly related to one another, are called "convergences," and form a very interesting study.

From The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) A Plain Story Simply Told by J. Arthur Thomson