divergence

[dih-vur-juhns, dahy-]

noun

1. the act, fact, or amount of diverging.

   a divergence in opinion.

   Synonyms: deviation, variation, division, separation
   Antonyms: convergence

2. (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.

3. Ophthalmology.,  a turning motion of the eyeballs outward in relation to each other.

4. Electronics.,  the spreading of a stream of electrons resulting from their mutual electrostatic repulsion.

divergence

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒəns /

noun

1. the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges

2. the condition of being divergent

3. meteorol the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air

4. maths

   1. the scalar product of the operator, ∇, and a vector function, A , where ∇= i ∂/∂ x + j ∂/∂ y + k ∂/∂ z , and i , j , and k are unit vectors. Usually written: div A , ∇ A , or ∇A. See curl gradient

   2. the property of being divergent

5. the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion

6. the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixated Compare convergence

7. Also called: divergent evolution. the evolutionary development of structures or organisms that differ from each other in form and function but have evolved from the same basic structure or organism Compare convergence

divergence

1. Mathematics,  The property or manner of failing to approach a limit, such as a point, line, or value.

2. 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.

3. Biology,  Also called divergent evolution

4. Biology,  Compare convergence

Other Word Forms

• nondivergence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of divergence¹

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

Example Sentences

The lack of specificity marks a divergence from previous years, when the firms have announced their seasonal hiring plans in advance.

Read more on BBC

Tuesday’s divergence followed news that Meta Platforms is in talks to spend billions of dollars on Google’s AI chips, one of the few alternatives to Nvidia’s.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The report found the divergence of approach between governments caused "confusion" for the public.

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“The divergence in ranks among the defensive sectors suggests we may not have seen a meaningful shift toward traditional defensive positioning yet,” he wrote on Tuesday.

Read more on Barron's

Fresh data about wages, spending, and credit conditions from banks, economists, and the Fed show the divergence widening this year.

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Related Words

• discrepancy 
• disparity 
• distinction 
• diversity