convergence

noun

con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s 

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 convergence …

—Boris 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

Synonyms

• confluence
• conjunction
• convergency
• meeting

Examples of convergence in a Sentence

the convergence of the city's major arteries on a single rotary

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as in science, where breakthroughs often arise from the convergence of seemingly unrelated ideas, the world of art and music is transformed by those who dare to transcend singularity and embrace multiple disciplines with the fullness of their spirit. —Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

The convergence of these three fronts has made this year for me and for many Israelis close to unbearable. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024

At the Bruce Museum, a venue in Greenwich, Connecticut, specifically dedicated to the convergence of science and art, the duck-centric designs are now on display. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

But behind their apparent convergence, Harris and Trump have fundamentally opposed views on the value immigrants bring to American society and radically different approaches to confronting unlawful migration. —Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see converge

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing convergence

• absolute convergence

Kids Definition

convergence

noun

con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s 

: the act or condition of converging

Medical Definition

convergence

noun

con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s 

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

-ˈvərj 

verb

converged; converging

convergent

-ˈvər-jənt 

adjective