divergence
//daɪˈvɜːdʒəns//
Noun
divergenceSingular
divergencesPlural
1
The process or state of moving or extending in different directions from a common point.
The divergence of the two paths began at the old oak tree.
2
A difference or disagreement between two or more things, ideas, or opinions.
There is a significant divergence of opinion among the committee members.
3
In biology, the evolutionary development of different forms or characteristics in organisms that share a common ancestor.
The divergence of finches on the Galápagos Islands is a classic example of adaptive evolution.
4
In mathematics, a measure of the rate at which a vector field spreads out from a given point.
The divergence of this vector field is zero at every point.