convergence

American  

[kuhn-vur-juhns] / kənˈvɜr dʒəns /

Also convergency

noun

convergences plural

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• convergences
  plural

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

See Examples For:

convergence convergences

Psychiatry’s embrace of Dr. Snyder’s finding was foreshadowed by a convergence of pre-existing forces.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

That convergence may be one of the most revealing aspects of Hemani.

From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026

"There was no single institutional mechanism responsible for bringing all these sectors together, identifying gaps, building convergence and planning for the future," he says.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 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

Both brothers were gratified by this convergence in their interests.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

An advisor to Macron's office said that the French president would also use the meeting to present "proposals for action that reflect the convergences that emerged", AFP reported.

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2025

These data enabled the team to analyse the evolutionary trajectories of these two species in order to detect possible convergences, i.e. cases of independent evolution of similar morphologies.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 15, 2023

“We’re not going to see the Western democracies try to remove India from their strategic calculus, especially in terms of countering China. The strategic convergences are too strong,” he added.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2023

The side-by-side visits of two East Asian leaders to two warring European capitals are just the latest in a growing list of convergences between Atlantic and Indo-Pacific alliances and rivalries.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 21, 2023

Such similar adaptations to similar needs, occurring in animals not nearly related to one another, are called "convergences," and form a very interesting study.

From The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) A Plain Story Simply Told by Thomson, J. Arthur