divergence

noun

1. the act, fact, or amount of diverging: a divergence in opinion.
2. (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.
3. Ophthalmology. a turning motion of the eyeballs outward in relation to each other.
4. Electronics. the spreading of a stream of electrons resulting from their mutual electrostatic repulsion.

noun

1. the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges
2. the condition of being divergent
3. meteorol the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air
4. 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 (def. 11), gradient (def. 4)
   2. the property of being divergent
5. the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion
6. the turning of the eyes outwards in order to fixate an object farther away than that previously being fixatedCompare convergence (def. 7)
7. Also called: divergent 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 organismCompare convergence (def. 5)

n.

1. A moving or spreading apart in different directions from a common point.
2. The degree by which things deviate or spread apart.
3. A turning of both eyes outward from a common point or of one eye when the other is fixed.
4. The spreading of branches of the neuron to form synapses with several other neurons.
5. The evolutionary process by which organisms descended from a common ancestor tend to acquire different forms when living under different conditions.

1. Mathematics The property or manner of failing to approach a limit, such as a point, line, or value.
2. 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.