convergence

American  

[kuhn-vur-juhns] / kənˈvɜr dʒəns /

Also convergency

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.

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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

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

Hyperliquid’s rapid ascent highlights the convergence between crypto and traditional finance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Two years ago, a convergence of climatic events pushed the price of both beans to multi-decade highs.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

We believe the convergence of these areas will enable an unprecedented expansion in the global economy, leading to an age of abundance.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

"The present-day relief of Central Asia was largely built by the India-Eurasia collision and ongoing convergence," said co-author Associate Professor Stijn Glorie, from Adelaide University's School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Both brothers were gratified by this convergence in their interests.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik