TANGENT

tangent, tan

(noun) ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle

tangent

(noun) a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

tangent (plural tangents)

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

(math) 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.

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

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

Synonyms

• (straight line): tangent line

Adjective

tangent (not comparable)

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

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

Source: Wiktionary

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Tan"gent, n. Etym: [L. tangens, -entis, p.pr. of tangere to touch; akin to Gr. tangente. Cf. Attain, Contaminate, Contingent, Entire, Tact, Taste, Tax, v. t.] (Geom.)

Definition: A tangent line curve, or surface; specifically, that portion of the straight line tangent to a curve that is between the point of tangency and a given line, the given line being, for example, the axis of abscissas, or a radius of a circle produced. See Trigonometrical function, under Function. Artificial, or Logarithmic, tangent, the logarithm of the natural tangent of an arc.

– Natural tangent, a decimal expressing the length of the tangent of an arc, the radius being reckoned unity.

– Tangent galvanometer (Elec.), a form of galvanometer having a circular coil and a short needle, in which the tangent of the angle of deflection of the needle is proportional to the strength of the current.

– Tangent of an angle, the natural tangent of the arc subtending or measuring the angle.

– Tangent of an arc, a right line, as ta, touching the arc of a circle at one extremity a, and terminated by a line ct, passing from the center through the other extremity o.

Tan"gent, a. Etym: [L. tangens, -entis, p.pr.]

Definition: Touching; touching at a single point; specifically (Geom.)

Definition: meeting a curve or surface at a point and having at that point the same direction as the curve or surface; -- said of a straight line, curve, or surface; as, a line tangent to a curve; a curve tangent to a surface; tangent surfaces. Tangent plane (Geom.), a plane which touches a surface in a point or line.

– Tangent scale (Gun.), a kind of breech sight for a cannon.

– Tangent screw (Mach.), an endless screw; a worm.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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