Tangent
Tangent , noun
[Latin tangens, -entis, present participle of tangere to touch; akin to Greek {not transcribed} having seized: compare French tangente. Compare Attain, Contaminate, Contingent, Entire, Tact, Taste, Tax, transitive verb]
(Geometry) 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.
Collocations (5)
Artificial tangent 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 (Electricity) , 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.
Tangent , adjective
[Latin tangens, -entis, p. pr.]
(Geometry) Touching; touching at a single point
(Geometry) 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.
Collocations (3)
Tangent plane (Geometry) , a plane which touches a surface in a point or line.
Tangent scale (Gunnery) , a kind of breech sight for a cannon.
Tangent screw (Machinery) , an endless screw; a worm.