tangent

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: tingent, tangen, tangena

Antonyms: tingent, tangen, tangena

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Noun

{{lb|en|differential geometry}} A [[straight line]] [[touch]]ing a [[curve]] at a single [[point]] without [[cross#Verb|cross]]ing it there.
{{lb|en|math}} A [[function]] of an [[angle]] that gives the ratio of the [[sine]] to the [[cosine]], in either the [[real number|real]] or [[complex number]]s. Symbols: {{m|mul|tan}}, {{m|mul|tg}}.
{{lb|en|transferred sense}} A [[course]] suddenly and unexpectedly [[divergent]] from one which was previously being followed (especially one embarked on before reaching the [[end]] of the previous course).
{{lb|en|art}} A [[visual]] interaction between two or more [[line]]s or [[edge]]s that creates a [[perceive]]d [[relationship]] between them, often in a way that the [[artist]] did not [[intend]].
{{lb|en|music}} A small metal [[blade]] in a [[clavichord]] or other instrument that strikes the [[string]]s to produce sound.

{{lb|en|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.
{{lb|en|railroading|of track}} Straight; not horizontally curved.

{{lb|en|intransitive|informal|rare}} {{synonym of|en|fly off at a tangent|t=to [[digress]] from a [[topic]]}}.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.