TANGENT Meaning and
Definition
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Tangent is a common mathematical term that has multiple definitions depending on the context it is used in. In geometry, a tangent is a straight line that touches a curve or surface at a single point, without crossing it. This point is known as the point of tangency. The tangent line is perpendicular to the radius of the curve or surface at the point of tangency, creating a right angle.
In trigonometry, the tangent is a function that relates the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle. It is denoted as tan(theta) or simply tan. The tangent function is widely used in calculating angles and distances in various applications, such as navigation, engineering, and physics.
However, in a more metaphorical sense, the term tangent is also used colloquially to refer to a sudden deviation or digression from a main topic or thought. It describes a line of conversation or thinking that diverges from the original subject, often irrelevantly or without a clear connection. In such cases, going off on a tangent typically denotes distraction or a loss of focus.
Overall, the term tangent encompasses a spectrum of meanings, ranging from mathematical and geometrical concepts to informal and abstract departures from a subject matter.
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In trig. and geom., a straight line which touches a circle or curve, but though produced, does not cut it.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for TANGENT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for TANGENT
Etymology of TANGENT
The word "tangent" comes from the Latin word "tangens", which is the present participle of the verb "tangere", meaning "to touch". "Tangens" refers to something that touches or comes into contact with another, and this idea of contact and touching has been transferred to mathematics, where a tangent line touches a curve at a single point. The word was first introduced in English in the mid-16th century in its mathematical sense and later extended to other areas such as tangents in conversations or digressions.
Idioms with the word TANGENT
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go/fly off at a tangent
The idiom "go/fly off at a tangent" means to suddenly change the subject or direction of a conversation or thought, often diverting from the main point or topic. It refers to a leap or deviation from the intended path or focus, leading into a different direction entirely.
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go off on a tangent, at go/fly off at a tangent
The idiom "go off on a tangent, at go/fly off at a tangent" means to suddenly shift or veer from the main topic of conversation or main focus of attention onto an unrelated or unrelated direction. It describes a situation where someone starts discussing or pursuing a completely different idea or topic, often irrelevant or tangential to the original discussion or context.
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(off) on a tangent
The idiom "(off) on a tangent" refers to someone deviating or veering off from the main or original topic of conversation or thought. It describes a situation where a person drifts away onto a different, unrelated subject, often without warning or reason.
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go off on a tangent
The idiom "go off on a tangent" means to suddenly and unexpectedly steer the course of a conversation, discussion, or thought process into a completely unrelated or divergent topic. It refers to when someone digresses or veers away from the main subject or point of focus, often to the point of losing relevance or causing confusion.
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go off at a tangent
The idiom "go off at a tangent" means to divert from the original topic or subject unexpectedly and without relevance. It refers to someone suddenly veering off onto a different tangent or digressing from the main point of discussion or thought.
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fly/go off at a tangent
The idiom "fly/go off at a tangent" means to suddenly shift the topic of conversation or to deviate from the original subject or focus. It refers to a situation where someone starts talking or thinking about something unrelated or completely different from what was being discussed before.
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on a tangent
The idiom "on a tangent" means to deviate suddenly or abruptly from the current subject, topic, or train of thought, often going off on a separate and unrelated direction or topic. It is used to describe someone who starts discussing something unrelated or veers off course during a conversation or presentation.
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fly off at a tangent
The idiom "fly off at a tangent" is used to describe when someone suddenly starts talking or acting in a completely different or unrelated direction, diverting from the main topic or course of action. It implies a sudden and unexpected shift in focus or behavior.
Similar spelling words for TANGENT
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