tangent

English

/ˈtæn.dʒənt/

noun
Definitions
  • (differential geometry) A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there.
  • (math) A function of an angle that gives the ratio of the sine to the cosine, in either the real or complex number. Symbols: tan (tan), tg (tg).
  • A topic nearly unrelated to the main topic, but having a point in common with it.
  • (music) A small metal blade in a clavichord that strikes the strings to produce sound.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin tangentem derived from Proto-Indo-European *tag- (touch, handle), *teh₂g- (touch, take hold of).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*teh₂g-

Gloss

touch, take hold of

Concept
Semantic Field

Sense perception

Ontological Category

Action/Process

Emoji
🥲

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms