Meaning & Definition of word "Tangent"
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Tangent
/ˈtæn.dʒənt/
noun:
- 1. A straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, but does not cross it at that point.
- Example: The tangent to the circle at that point is perpendicular to the radius.
- 2. A completely different line of thought or action.
- Example: During the meeting, we went off on a tangent discussing unrelated topics.
- 3. In mathematics, the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side in a right triangle.
- Example: In trigonometry, the tangent of an angle can be calculated using the opposite over the adjacent.
adjective:
- 1. Touching at a single point; incidental or peripheral.
- Example: His comments were tangent to the main subject of the discussion.
Etymology
From Latin tangens, present participle of tangere 'to touch'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
go off on a tangent:
to start talking or thinking about something not directly related to the main topic.
Related Words
tangential:
related to or along a tangent.
tangent line:
a line that touches a curve at a point.
tangent ratio:
the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle.
Slang Meanings of tangent
Meaning: Going off-topic or diverging from the main discussion.
Example Sentence: In the meeting, someone went off on a tangent about their weekend plans.
Meaning: A sudden change in topic or focus.
Example Sentence: She always has a tendency to tangent when we discuss serious matters.