coherence

noun

co·​her·​ence kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce coherence (audio) -ˈher- How to pronounce coherence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of cohering: such as
a
: systematic or logical connection or consistency
The essay as a whole lacks coherence.
b
: integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values
"The various parts of this house—discrete in color, in shape, in placement—join together with remarkable coherence."Paul Goldberger
2
: the property of being coherent
a plan that lacks coherence

Examples of coherence in a Sentence

the house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence
Recent Examples on the Web According to Italian news outlet, ANSA, experts utilized infrared hyperspectral imaging alongside a relatively new approach known as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to see through the carbonized material. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2024 One advantage of encoding information in the states of individual atoms is that their coherence times are typically far longer. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coherence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coherence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

coher(ent) + -ence, after Latin cohaerentia

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coherence was circa 1580

Dictionary Entries Near coherence

Cite this Entry

“Coherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coherence. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

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