definitions

divergence

[ dih-vur-juhns, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜr dʒəns, daɪ- /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR divergence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act, fact, or amount of diverging: a divergence in opinion.
(in physics, meteorology, etc.) the total amount of flux escaping an infinitesimal volume at a point in a vector field, as the net flow of air from a given region.
Ophthalmology. a turning motion of the eyeballs outward in relation to each other.
Electronics. the spreading of a stream of electrons resulting from their mutual electrostatic repulsion.

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RELATED WORDS

distinction, disparity, diversity, discrepancy, fork, digression, departure, divagation, variety, radiation, mutation, deviation, division, aberration, dissimilitude, detour, divergency, separation, dissimilarity, parting

Nearby words

divehi, divemaster, diver, diverbium, diverge, divergence, divergence insufficiency, divergency, divergent, divergent plate boundary, divergent strabismus

Origin of divergence

From the Medieval Latin word dīvergentia, dating back to 1650–60. See diverge, -ence

Related forms

non·di·ver·gence, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for divergence

British Dictionary definitions for divergence

divergence

/ (daɪˈvɜːdʒəns) /

noun

Also called (for senses 1, 2): divergency
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for divergence

divergence

[ dĭ-vûr′jəns, dī- ]

n.

A moving or spreading apart in different directions from a common point.
The degree by which things deviate or spread apart.
A turning of both eyes outward from a common point or of one eye when the other is fixed.
The spreading of branches of the neuron to form synapses with several other neurons.
The evolutionary process by which organisms descended from a common ancestor tend to acquire different forms when living under different conditions.

Related forms

di•ver′gent adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for divergence

divergence

[ dĭ-vûr′jəns ]

Mathematics The property or manner of failing to approach a limit, such as a point, line, or value.
Biology The evolution of different forms or structures in related species as they adapt to different environments. An example of divergence is the development of wings in bats from the same bones that form the arm and hand or paw in most other mammals. Also called divergent evolution Compare convergence.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.