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

• nonconvergence noun
• nonconvergency noun
• reconvergence noun

Etymology

Origin of convergence

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

Example Sentences

“The new ‘magic number’ reflects a convergence of factors — from persistent inflation and longer life expectancies, to uncertainty about the future of Social Security,” said John Roberts, chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Ha Nguyen McNeill, the agency’s acting administrator, described that convergence as a “perfect storm.”

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026

That convergence of feelings made me wonder: What kind of girl would write letters to former flames, not out of love, but out of despair?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

“Plainly said, the convergence of EPS risk, high leverage, and tight dividends likely drives underperformance vs. peers, despite low valuation and sentiment,” Carey wrote.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

He had arrived at a convergence of patterns; he could see them clearly now.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko