Lexic.us

Definition of Tangent

1. Noun. A straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point.

2. Noun. Ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle.

Definition of Tangent

1. n. A tangent line curve, or surface; specifically, that portion of the straight line tangent to a curve that is between the point of tangency and a given line, the given line being, for example, the axis of abscissas, or a radius of a circle produced. See Trigonometrical function, under Function.

2. a. Touching; touching at a single point

Definition of Tangent

1. Noun. (geometry) A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there. ¹

2. Noun. (trigonometry) In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the length of the side adjacent to the angle. Symbols: tan, tg ¹

3. Noun. (mathematics) The ratio of the sine to the cosine, in either the real or complex numbers.--> ¹

4. Noun. A topic nearly unrelated to the main topic, but having a point in common with it. ¹

5. Noun. A small metal blade by which a clavichord produces sound. ¹

6. Adjective. (geometry) Touching a curve at a single point but not crossing it at that point. ¹

7. Adjective. Of a topic, only loosely related to a main topic. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Tangent

1. a straight line in contact with a curve at one point [n -S]

Medical Definition of Tangent

1. A tangent line curve, or surface; specifically, that portion of the straight line tangent to a curve that is between the point of tangency and a given line, the given line being, for example, the axis of abscissas, or a radius of a circle produced. See Trigonometrical function, under Function. Artificial, or Logarithmic, tangent, the logarithm of the natural tangent of an arc. Natural tangent, a decimal expressing the length of the tangent of an arc, the radius being reckoned unity. Tangent galvanometer, a form of galvanometer having a circular coil and a short needle, in which the tangent of the angle of deflection of the needle is proportional to the strength of the current. Tangent of an angle, the natural tangent of the arc subtending or measuring the angle. Tangent of an arc, a right line, as ta, touching the arc of a circle at one extremity a, and terminated by a line ct, passing from the center through the other extremity o. Origin: L. Tangens, -entis, p.pr. Of tangere to touch; akin to Gr. Having seized: cf. F. Tangente. Cf. Attain, Contaminate, Contingent, Entire, Tact, Taste, Tax. Touching; touching at a single point; specifically meeting a curve or surface at a point and having at that point the same direction as the curve or surface; said of a straight line, curve, or surface; as, a line tangent to a curve; a curve tangent to a surface; tangent surfaces. Tangent plane, an endless screw; a worm. Origin: L. Tangens, -entis, p.pr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Tangent

tanespimycin taneyamalite tanezumab tanga tangalung tangas tanged tangelo tangelo tree tangelos

tangence tangences tangencies tangency tangent (current term) tangent plane tangent screen tangental tangential tangential wound

tangentiality tangentially tangents tangerine tangerine tree tangerines tangeritin tangfish tanghin

Literary usage of Tangent

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Treatise on the Analytic Geometry of Three Dimensions by George Salmon (1862)
"Hence any tangent plane is intersected by a consecutive tangent plane in the diameter of the indicatrix which is conjugate to the direction to which the ..."

2. A History of Greek Mathematics by Thomas Little Heath (1921)
"Transition to new diameter and tangent 'at its extremity. An important section of the Book follows (I. 41-50), consisting of propositions leading up to what ..."

3. A Treatise on the Higher Plane Curves: Intended as a Sequel to A Treatise on by George Salmon (1879)
"The double point was discussed with point-coordinates; to make the analytical theories agree, the double tangent should have been discussed with ..."

4. A Treatise on the Analytic Geometry of Three Dimensions by George Salmon (1882)
"At all points then of the intersection of U and H the tangent plane must be ... H is no other than the Hessian; the tangent plane at every point of the ..."

5. A Treatise on Conic Sections: Containing an Account of Some of the Most by George Salmon (1879)
"If any variable tangent to a central conic section meet two fixed parallel tangents, it will intercept portions on them, whose rectangle is constant, ..."

6. A Treatise on the Analytic Geometry of Three Dimensions by George Salmon (1865)
"If at any point on a quadric a line be drawn touching the surface and through that line two tangent planes to any confocal, these two planes will make equal ..."

7. Descriptive Geometry by Adam Vause Millar, Edward Silver Maclin (1913)
"Since AD! and AD2 are any curves of the surface, it follows that, in general, the tangent at A to every curve of the surface through this point will lie in ..."

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