— mergence , n.
/merrj/ , v. , merged, merging .
v.t.
1. to cause to combine or coalesce; unite.
2. to combine, blend, or unite gradually so as to blur the individuality or individual identity of: They voted to merge the two branch offices into a single unit.
v.i.
3. to become combined, united, swallowed up, or absorbed; lose identity by uniting or blending (often fol. by in or into ): This stream merges into the river up ahead.
4. to combine or unite into a single enterprise, organization, body, etc.: The two firms merged last year.
[ 1630-40; mergere to dip, immerse, plunge into water ]
Syn. 1, 2, 3. amalgamate, consolidate.