convergence

noun

con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce convergence (audio)
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
a
evolutionary biology : independent development of similar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in unrelated or distantly related species or lineages : convergent evolution
The second mechanism, also well established, is convergence—in which separate organisms, such as birds and bats, independently develop a similar trait or behavior (wings, say) even though they did not inherit that structure from a common ancestor.Ann Gibbons
b
: the independent development of similarities between separate cultures
Indo-Europeanists often find it difficult to know whether they have to deal with cultural characteristics that have been borrowed or inherited, or are the product merely of a convergenceBoris Oguibénine
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

Examples of convergence in a Sentence

the convergence of the city's major arteries on a single rotary
Recent Examples on the Web This moment isn’t just about the convergence of stars but a harbinger of the industry’s bright future. Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Mar. 2024 Behold the convergence of leftover chicken and pantry staples that come together in a spicy chicken and black bean stew. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convergence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'convergence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see converge

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convergence was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near convergence

Cite this Entry

“Convergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convergence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

convergence

noun
con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce convergence (audio)
: the act or condition of converging

Medical Definition

convergence

noun
con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce convergence (audio)
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 sense 2
converge verb
converged; converging
convergent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on convergence

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