Definition of "tangent" in Anglais

noun

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.

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

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.

adjective

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

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

3. (rail transport, of track) Straight; not horizontally curved.

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