tangent
|tan/gent|
/ˈtæn.dʒənt/
touching at a point
Etymology
'tangent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tangens,' where 'tangere' meant 'to touch.'
'tangens' transformed into the French word 'tangent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tangent' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to touch,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a line that touches a curve at a point.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point, but if extended does not cross it at that point.
The tangent to the circle at point A is perpendicular to the radius.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a completely different line of thought or action.
He went off on a tangent about his childhood.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
touching, but not intersecting, a curve or curved surface.
The tangent line barely touched the curve.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41