Tangent

/ˈtæn.d͡ʒənt/ · noun

Meaning

(differential geometry) A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there..

Definitions by Sense

1. (differential geometry) A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there.
2. (mathematics) 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.
3. A topic nearly unrelated to the main topic, but having a point in common with it.
4. (art) A visual interaction between two or more lines or edges that creates a perceived relationship between them, often in a way that the artist did not intend.
5. (music) A small metal blade in a clavichord that strikes the strings to produce sound.
6. (geometry) Touching a curve at a single point but not crossing it at that point.
7. Of a topic, only loosely related to a main topic.
8. (rail transport, of track) Straight; not horizontally curved.

Example Sentences

One feature of the body, which is constructed of pressed-steel members, is the contour of the sides. They are in the form of a continuous radius from the bottom side to the cant rail, and to enable flat glass windows to be fitted the side panels are pressed around the window opening, forming a tangent to the curved bodyside.

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

“Uncle Barnaby was always father and mother to me,” Benson broke in; then after a pause his mind flew off at a tangent. “Is old Hannah all right—in the will, I mean?”

Jon & Kate Plus 8 is a show based on two facts: (1) Jon and Kate Gosselin have eight children, and (2) the word ‘Kate’ rhymes with the word ‘eight’. One suspects that if Kate were ever to have another child, a shady network executive would urge her to put it in a binbag with a brick and drop it down a well. But this is just a horrifying tangent.

The collision occurred on a two-mile stretch of tangent track.

Synonyms for tangent

Antonyms for tangent

Related Words

Word Forms

• tangents

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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