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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pun serves as his own director of photography here, which goes a long way to ensuring that the unfolding mayhem retains a visual coherence, even when the narrative threatens to become unshackled. James Marsh, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 Additionally, to overcome technological limitations, such as quantum coherence and data transmission speeds, financial leaders will need to do deep research and planning across multiple disciplines. Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Innovations such as topological quantum error correction and feedback control systems can maintain coherence over extended periods and distances. Pramod Kumar, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Transcending details and achieving compositional coherence—or, to extend the alliterativeness, horological wholeness—is the pinnacle of watch design. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coherence 

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 28 Nov. 2024.

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