tangent Definition and Meaning in English (tangent definition)

noun
Quick Answer • Definition

Tangent definition: In geometry, a tangent is a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, without crossing it.

Definitions of Tangent

  1. 1noun

    In geometry, a tangent is a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, without crossing it.

  2. 2noun

    A tangent can also refer to a completely different line of thought or discussion that deviates from the main topic.

  3. 3adjective

    As an adjective, tangent describes something that is touching at a single point or surface.

Example Sentences

“The architect drew a tangent line to the arc of the dome.”

“During his speech, the speaker went off on a tangent about his childhood.”

“The two gears were tangent to each other, allowing smooth rotation.”

Antonyms

secant

Inflected Word Forms

adjectivetangential
adverbtangentially

Frequently Asked Questions: Tangent in English

What is the meaning of Tangent in English?▼
Tangent definition: In geometry, a tangent is a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, without crossing it.
How do you translate 'Tangent' to English?▼
'Tangent' translates to 'tangent' in English. Tangent definition: In geometry, a tangent is a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a single point, without crossing it.
How do you pronounce 'Tangent' and 'tangent'?▼
Listen to clear English audio pronunciation of 'Tangent' and native English audio speech for 'tangent' with bilingual sentence examples on DictBridge.

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