convergence (redirected from convergences)

convergence

Mathematical property of infinite series, integrals on unbounded regions, and certain sequences of numbers. An infinite series is convergent if the sum of its terms is finite. The series ¹⁄₂ + ¹⁄₄ + ¹⁄₈ + ¹⁄₁₆ + ¹⁄₃₂ + ... sums to 1 and thus is convergent. The harmonic series 1 + ¹⁄₂ + ¹⁄₃ + ¹⁄₄ + ¹⁄₅ + ... does not converge. An integral calculated over an interval of infinite width, called an improper integral, describes a region that is unbounded in at least one direction. If such an integral converges, the unbounded region it describes has finite area. A sequence of numbers converges to a particular number when the difference between successive terms becomes arbitrarily small. The sequence 0.9, 0.99, 0.999, etc., converges to 1.

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convergence

(1) The intersection of red, green and blue electron beams on one CRT pixel. Poor convergence decreases resolution and muddies white pixels.

(2) See digital convergence and fixed mobile convergence.

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convergence [kən′vər·jəns]

(anthropology)

Independent development of similarities between unrelated cultures.

(evolution)

Development of similarities between animals or plants of different groups resulting from adaptation to similar habitats.

(electronics)

A condition in which the electron beams of a multibeam cathode-ray tube intersect at a specified point, such as at an opening in the shadow mask of a three-gun color television picture tube; both static convergence and dynamic convergence are required.

(geology)

Diminution of the interval between geologic horizons.

(hydrology)

The line of demarcation between turbid river water and clear lake water.

(mathematics)

The property of having a limit for infinite series, sequences, products, and so on.

(meteorology)

The increase in wind setup observed beyond that which would take place in an equivalent rectangular basin of uniform depth, caused by changes in platform or depth.

(neuroscience)

The coming together of a group of afferent nerves upon a motoneuron of the ventral horn of the spinal cord.

(oceanography)

A condition in the ocean in which currents or water masses having different densities, temperatures, or salinities meet; results in the sinking of the colder or more saline water.

(physics)

The intersection of light beams or particles within a small region, or the narrowing of a single beam so that it passes through a small region.