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

Fed leaders have tried to bind U.S. banks to a complicated, vaunted set of rules in the name of global regulatory convergence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For one, the company is the “one true leader driving convergence,” he wrote, referring to the trend of selling customers both internet and wireless services.

Read more on MarketWatch

The analyst believes AT&T is best-positioned to win the battle for convergence, which refers to wireless companies’ race to offer historically separate networks such as 5G, fiber-optic broadband, and Wi-Fi on a single platform.

Read more on Barron's

If Grizzly Bear’s early years were about convergence — four young men building a sound that felt both communal and claustrophobic, this chapter is about calibration: finding equilibrium after a long season apart.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today, a different convergence is in process and the two poles are not meeting in the middle.

Read more on Salon