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[kuh n-vur-juh ns] /kənˈvɜr dʒəns/
an act or instance of converging.
a convergent state or quality.
the degree or point at which lines, objects, etc., converge.
Ophthalmology. a coordinated turning of the eyes to bear upon a near point.
  1. the contraction of a vector field.
  2. 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
Related forms
nonconvergence, noun
nonconvergency, noun
reconvergence, noun Unabridged
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Examples from the web for convergence
  • Now there's been a lot of convergence, particularly in the micro side of things.
  • For example, blacks and whites agree that there has been a convergence in the past decade in the values held by blacks and whites.
  • The convergence of thinkers has led to noteworthy outcomes.
  • Biological evolution and common ancestry are real and proved by the convergence of the sciences.
  • In loosening up, the government recognized the convergence of economic progress and cultural and individual innovation.
  • The convergence of these factors could have catastrophic results.
  • These developments point to a convergence between virtual worlds and social networks.
  • The convergence of biology and engineering is turning health care into an information industry.
  • The moment of convergence with the leaders, which once seemed within easy reach, retreats into the future.
British Dictionary definitions for convergence


Also called convergency. the act, degree, or a point of converging
concurrence of opinions, results, etc
(maths) the property or manner of approaching a finite limit, esp of an infinite series: conditional convergence
the combining of different forms of electronic technology, such as data processing and word processing converging into information processing
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
(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
the turning of the eyes inwards in order to fixate an object nearer than that previously being fixated Compare divergence (sense 6)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for convergence

1713, from converge + -ence. Related: Convergent. Convergent evolution was in use among biologists by 1890.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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convergence in Medicine

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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convergence in Science
  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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