re convergence


an act or instance of converging.
a convergent state or quality.
Ophthalmology. a coordinated turning of the eyes to bear upon a near point.
the contraction of a vector field.
a measure of this.
Meteorology. a net flow of air into a given region. Compare divergence ( def 2 ).
Biology. similarity of form or structure caused by environment rather than heredity.
Also, convergency (for defs 1–3).

1705–15; converg(ent) + -ence

nonconvergence, noun
nonconvergency, noun
reconvergence, noun Unabridged
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World English Dictionary
convergence (kənˈvɜːdʒəns)
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 See also Intertropical Convergence Zone an accumulation of air in a region that has a greater inflow than outflow of air, often giving rise to vertical air currents
7.  Compare divergence the turning of the eyes inwards in order to fixate an object nearer than that previously being fixated

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

convergence con·ver·gence (kən-vûr'jəns)

  1. The process of coming together or the state of having come together toward a common point.

  2. Such a gathering at a single preganglionic motor neuron of several postganglionic motor neurons.

  3. The coordinated turning of the eyes inward to focus on an object at close range.

  4. The adaptive evolution of superficially similar structures, such as the wings of birds and insects, in unrelated species subjected to similar environments. Also called convergent evolution.

  5. The movement of cells from the periphery of the embryo toward the midline during gastrulation.

con·verge' v.
con·ver'gent adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
convergence   (kən-vûr'jəns)  Pronunciation Key 
  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. Also called convergent evolution. Compare divergence.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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