tangent
1 synonym for tangent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A straight line that touches a curve at exactly one point without crossing it.
How to use tangent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
go off on a tangent
a mathematical tangent
Etymology
From Latin tangens ("touching"), the present participle of tangere ("to touch").
Full origin of tangent →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.
