Background for tangent

tangent

/ˈtæn.dʒənt/

Illustration tangent - Image 1

Illustration tangent - Image 2

noun

A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there.

Examples :

"The tangent to the graph of the student's test scores showed a sharp increase after the tutoring sessions. "

Illustration tangent - Image 1

Illustration tangent - Image 2

noun

A function of an angle that gives the ratio of the sine to the cosine, in either the real or complex numbers. Symbols: tan, tg.

Examples :

"The math problem asked for the tangent of 30 degrees. "

math function number

Illustration tangent - Image 1

Illustration tangent - Image 2

noun

A topic nearly unrelated to the main topic, but having a point in common with it.

Examples :

"I believe we went off onto a tangent when we started talking about monkeys on unicycles at his retirement party."

communication language point writing

Illustration tangent - Image 1

noun

A small metal blade in a clavichord that strikes the strings to produce sound.

Examples :

"The clavichord's delicate tangent struck the strings, producing a soft, tinkling sound. "

music machine device sound item

Illustration tangent - Image 1

Illustration tangent - Image 2

adjective

Touching a curve at a single point but not crossing it at that point.

Examples :

"The carpenter used a tangent line to measure the curve of the wooden arch before cutting it. "

math technical science point

Illustration tangent - Image 1

adjective

Of a topic, only loosely related to a main topic.

Examples :

"The teacher's lecture on the history of the Roman Empire had a tangent about the importance of good sanitation in ancient cities. "

language communication