Definition of convergence
1 : the act of converging and especially moving toward union or uniformity the convergence of the three rivers; especially : coordinated movement of the two eyes so that the image of a single point is formed on corresponding retinal areas
2 : the state or property of being convergent
3 : independent development of similar characters (as of bodily structure of unrelated organisms or cultural traits) often associated with similarity of habits or environment
4 : the merging of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole … offers a variety of services related to the convergence of the Internet and mobile phones. — Rob Walker
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of convergence in a Sentence
the convergence of the city's major arteries on a single rotary
Recent Examples of convergence from the Web
-
Other examples of convergence include the rise of flight among birds, bats, insects, and pterodactyls, and the evolution of opposable thumbs in primates, pandas, and opossums.
-
The apex of this convergence occurred in late 2008.
-
A new captorhinid reptile from the Lower Permian of Oklahoma showing remarkable dental and mandibular convergence with microsaurian tetrapods.
-
What ensued was the convergence of worst-case scenarios for the Padres.
-
A blow-by-blow (literally) account by my colleague Joe DiStefano of the convergence of anti-Trump and pro-Trump rallies in Center City this weekend.
-
Such similarities are due as much to coincidence as convergence, since Cantina Alley was in the works for more than two years before its completion, after facing delays in obtaining city approvals.
-
Maritime officials and ship operators call the area a convergence zone, where ships coming from the east and west converge with others leaving Tokyo.
-
And fewer still are considering the strategic talent implications of this convergence.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'convergence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of convergence
see converge
Other Biology Terms
Medical Dictionary
convergence
playMedical Definition of convergence
1: an embryonic movement that involves streaming of material from the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the gastrula toward the blastopore and concurrent shifting of lateral materials toward the middorsal line and that is a process fundamental to the establishment of the germ layers
2: independent development of similar characters (as of body structure in whales and fishes) by animals or plants of different groups that is often associated with similarity of habits or environment
3: movement of the two eyes so coordinated that the images of a single point fall on corresponding points of the two retinas
4: overlapping synaptic innervation of a single cell by more than one nerve fiber—compare divergence 2
Learn More about convergence
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for convergence Spanish Central: Translation of convergence Nglish: Translation of convergence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of convergence for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convergence
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up convergence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!