tangent
Tangent (noun) means a straight line that touches a curve at exactly one point without crossing it. Example: “Draw a tangent to the circle at that point.”
How to use tangent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn geometry, a line touching a curve at one point; in everyday speech, a side-topic that veers away from the main subject.
In everyday use it almost always means "going off topic," not the mathematical line.
Word forms
tangents plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Draw a _____ to the circle at that point.
Etymology
From Latin tangens ("touching"), the present participle of tangere ("to touch").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “tangent” mean?
The word “tangent” means a straight line that touches a curve at exactly one point without crossing it. In plain terms, in geometry, a line touching a curve at one point; in everyday speech, a side-topic that veers away from the main subject.
How do you pronounce “tangent”?
“Tangent” is pronounced TAN-juhnt (/ˈtæn.d͡ʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tangent” in a sentence?
Here is “tangent” used in a sentence: “Draw a tangent to the circle at that point.”
What part of speech is “tangent”?
“Tangent” is a noun.
Where does the word “tangent” come from?
The word “tangent” comes from Latin. From Latin tangens ("touching"), the present participle of tangere ("to touch").
Is “tangent” a common word?
“Tangent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tangent” have?
“Tangent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a straight line that touches a curve at exactly one point without crossing it.