divergence
divergence, In mathematics, a differential operator applied to a three-dimensional vector-valued function. The result is a function that describes a rate of change. The divergence of a vector v is given by 
in which v1, v2, and v3 are the vector components of v, typically a velocity field of fluid flow.
This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.
Citation Information
Article Title:
divergence
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
12 October 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026