DIVERGENCE Definition & Meaning

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divergence

[ dih-vur-juhns, dahy- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act, fact, or amount of diverging:
a divergence in opinion.
Synonyms: , , ,
Antonyms:
(in physics, meteorology, etc.) the total amount of flux escaping an infinitesimal volume at a point in a vector field, as the net flow of air from a given region.
Ophthalmology. a turning motion of the eyeballs outward in relation to each other.
Electronics. the spreading of a stream of electrons resulting from their mutual electrostatic repulsion.

divergence

/ �岹ɪˈ��ɜː��ə�Բ� /

noun

the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges
the condition of being divergent
meteorol the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air
maths
1. the scalar product of the operator, ∇, and a vector function, A , where ∇= i ∂/∂ x + j ∂/∂ y + k ∂/∂ z , and i , j , and k are unit vectors. Usually written: div A , ∇ A , or ∇A. See curl gradient
2. the property of being divergent
the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion
the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixated Compare convergence
Also calleddivergent evolution the evolutionary development of structures or organisms that differ from each other in form and function but have evolved from the same basic structure or organism Compare convergence

divergence

/ ��ĭ-��û��′��ə�Բ� /

Mathematics.
The property or manner of failing to approach a limit, such as a point, line, or value.
Biology.
The evolution of different forms or structures in related species as they adapt to different environments. An example of divergence is the development of wings in bats from the same bones that form the arm and hand or paw in most other mammals.
Biology.
Also called divergent evolution
Biology.
Compare convergence

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

�Դǲ�d��·��g��Գ�� noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of divergence¹

From the Medieval Latin word ��ī��Գپ��, dating back to 1650–60. See diverge, -ence

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They appeared to be “all in” on Donald’s latest divergence from reality.

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On wider UK government spending, Drakeford said he did not find it "frustrating" that there was divergence between the two Labour-run governments.

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“The big story is the divergence between the U.S. and the rest of the world,” IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told reporters.

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If that session signalled a divergence in views between Rubio and Trump - who were then rivals - the two appear much more closely aligned eight years later.

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We used qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to identify points of overlap and divergence across the two data sources.

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