Tangent

/ˈtæn.dʒənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, but does not cross it at that point.

The tangent to the circle at that point is perpendicular to the radius.

A completely different line of thought or action.

During the meeting, we went off on a tangent discussing unrelated topics.

In mathematics, the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side in a right triangle.

In trigonometry, the tangent of an angle can be calculated using the opposite over the adjacent.

adjective

Touching at a single point; incidental or peripheral.

His comments were tangent to the main subject of the discussion.

From Latin tangens, present participle of tangere 'to touch'.

go off on a tangent

to start talking or thinking about something not directly related to the main topic.

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.

Going off-topic or diverging from the main discussion.

In the meeting, someone went off on a tangent about their weekend plans.

A sudden change in topic or focus.

She always has a tendency to tangent when we discuss serious matters.