Tangent
Pronunciation: /ˈtændʒənt/
Tangent (noun)
- a straight line that touches a curve at one point without crossing it
- a sudden change in conversation to a different subject
Examples
- The tangent to the circle was perfectly straight.
- A tangent line touches the curve at only one point.
Common collocations: draw a tangent, tangent to a curve, go off on a tangent, tangent in conversation, tangent line
Tangent (adjective)
- describing a line that touches a curve at one point
Examples
- The tangent line barely touched the curve.
- A tangent line is crucial in calculus problems.