coerent

Coerent is not a standard English word. It is most commonly a misspelling of coherent, the adjective derived from Latin cohaerere, meaning to stick together. In some cases, coerent may appear as a proper noun or brand name, but such uses do not carry a widely accepted definition.

In physics, coherence refers to a fixed phase relationship between waves. Coherent light, such as from a laser, behaves predictably in interference experiments. Temporal coherence concerns phase stability over time, while spatial coherence concerns phase relationships across a wavefront. Coherence length and coherence time quantify these properties and enable applications in spectroscopy, holography, and interferometry.

In logic and discourse, coherence describes the overall intelligibility and unity of a text or argument. A coherent passage connects ideas smoothly, uses consistent references, and employs transitions that help readers follow the reasoning or narrative.

In computing, coherence appears in the concept of cache coherence, the property that ensures multiple caches reflect the same memory values. Cache coherence protocols coordinate read and write operations across processors to maintain a consistent view of memory.

Related terms include coherency and coherence, which are variant spellings used in different regions or disciplines. The distinction between coherence and consistency can be subtle: coherence emphasizes connectedness and compatibility of parts within a system or text, while consistency emphasizes absence of contradictions.