divergence
[ dih-vur-juhns, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜr dʒəns, daɪ- /
noun
the act, fact, or amount of diverging: a divergence in opinion.
(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.
Origin of divergence
SYNONYMS FOR divergence
OTHER WORDS FROM divergence
non·di·ver·gence, nounWords nearby divergence
Example sentences from the Web for divergence
British Dictionary definitions for divergence
divergence
/ (daɪˈvɜːdʒəns) /
noun
Also called (for senses 1, 2):
divergency
Medical definitions for divergence
divergence
[ dĭ-vûr′jəns, dī- ]
n.
A moving or spreading apart in different directions from a common point.
The degree by which things deviate or spread apart.
A turning of both eyes outward from a common point or of one eye when the other is fixed.
The spreading of branches of the neuron to form synapses with several other neurons.
The evolutionary process by which organisms descended from a common ancestor tend to acquire different forms when living under different conditions.
Other words from divergence
di•ver′gent adj.Scientific definitions for divergence
divergence
[ dĭ-vûr′jəns ]
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. Also called divergent evolution Compare convergence.