divergence

di·ver·gence

noun \-ˈvər-jən(t)s\

Definition of DIVERGENCE

1

a : a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)

b : difference, disagreement

c : the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms in unlike environments

2

: a deviation from a course or standard

3

: the condition of being mathematically divergent

Examples of DIVERGENCE

1. <a growing divergence of opinion about that U.S. president's place in history>
2. <any divergence from the community's strict moral code was met with social ostracism>

First Known Use of DIVERGENCE

1656

Related to DIVERGENCE

Synonyms

bifurcation, divarication, divergency, separation, parting of the ways

Antonyms

convergence

Related Words

difference, disagreement, discrepancy, disparateness, disparity, dissidence, dissimilarity, distinction, distinctiveness, distinctness, diversity, unlikeness

Near Antonyms

accord, agreement; likeness, similarity

di·ver·gence

noun \də-ˈvər-jən(t)s, dī-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of DIVERGENCE

1

a : a drawing apart b : the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms under the influence of unlike environments

2

: dissemination of the effect of activity of a single nerve cell through multiple synaptic connections—compare convergence 4

—di·verge \-ˈvərj\ (audio pronunciation) verb, di·verged; di·verg·ing

—di·ver·gent \-ˈvər-jənt\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

divergence

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In mathematics, a differential operator applied to a three-dimensional vector-valued function. The result is a function that describes a rate of change. The divergence of a vector v is given by in which v, v, and v are the vector components of v, typically a velocity field of fluid flow.