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tangent

The correct spelling is tangent.

How to pronounce tangent

noun

IPA: /ˈtæn.dʒənt/

Say it like: Tan-jen-t

The correct spelling is tangent. A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there. For example: "I believe we went off onto a tangent when we started talking about monkeys on unicycles at his retirement party."

Usage Examples

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

Meanings

noun

  1. 1.A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there.
  2. 2.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. 3.A topic nearly unrelated to the main topic, but having a point in common with it.
  4. 4.A small metal blade in a clavichord that strikes the strings to produce sound.

adjective

  1. 1.Touching a curve at a single point but not crossing it at that point.
  2. 2.Of a topic, only loosely related to a main topic.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples