convergent
UK: kənˈvɜːdʒənt | US: kənˈvɜːrdʒənt
adj. tending to move toward one point or to approach each other
adj. (mathematics) approaching a definite limit as more terms are added
adj. (biology) evolving similar traits independently in unrelated species
The word "convergent" originates from Latin convergere, combining con- (together) and vergere (to bend or incline). The root vergere also appears in words like "diverge" (to bend apart) and "verge" (edge or border). Over time, "convergent" evolved to describe things moving toward a common point, whether in physical paths, mathematical sequences, or biological traits. The suffix -ent turns the verb into an adjective, emphasizing the state of approaching unity.
The two rivers are convergent, merging into a single stream downstream.
In mathematics, a convergent series approaches a finite limit.
Birds and bats exhibit convergent evolution by developing wings independently.
The team's ideas were convergent, leading to a unified solution.
The roads become convergent as they near the city center.