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Tangent   /tˈændʒənt/   Listen
noun
Tangent  n.  (Geom.) 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 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 (Elec.), 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.



adjective
Tangent  adj.  Touching; touching at a single point; specifically (Geom.) 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 (Geom.), a plane which touches a surface in a point or line.
Tangent scale (Gun.), a kind of breech sight for a cannon.
Tangent screw (Mach.), an endless screw; a worm.






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"Tangent" Quotes from Famous Books



... remained but to wait. But the projectile was perceptibly nearing the moon, and evidently succumbed to her influence to a certain degree; though its own velocity also drew it in an oblique direction. From these conflicting influences resulted a line which might become a tangent. But it was certain that the projectile would not fall directly on the moon; for its lower part, by reason of its weight, ought ...
— Jules Verne's Classic Books • Jules Verne

... the society which is so fortunate, or so unfortunate, as to have given him birth; and by his initiative the aspirations, beliefs, struggles of the community or state get a push in a new direction—a tangent to the former movement or a reversal of it. If this be true, and it be farther true that no genius who is likely to appear can be discounted by any human device before his abrupt appearance upon the stage of action, then the history of facts must take the place of the science or ...
— The Story of the Mind • James Mark Baldwin

... I on the circumference of the circle whose diameter is AB, the major axis, the center being C, the middle point of D O. As P recedes from A, it is evident that the angles P D L, P L D, will increase, until D L assumes the position D T tangent to the given circle, when they will become right angles. P will therefore be infinitely remote, and the point I having then reached t, where D T touches the smaller circle, C t S will be an asymptote to the curve. This shows that the measurements from the convex ...
— Scientific American Supplement, No. 803, May 23, 1891 • Various

... Street, a block or two from Charles, Biddle Street performs a jog, dashing off at a tangent from its former course, while Chase Street not only jogs and turns at the corresponding intersection, but does so again, where, at the next corner, it meets at once with Park Avenue and Berkeley Street. After ...
— American Adventures - A Second Trip 'Abroad at home' • Julian Street

... worried out of him in trying to keep pace with his wife's vagaries. Matrimony had not cured her love for side-streets, short cuts and chance acquaintances, and she was gradually making her husband travel at a similar tangent. When they started to go to church he would find, to his amazement, that they were in the Museum. If they journeyed with a Museum for an objective they were certain to pull up in the Botanic Gardens. A call on a friend usually turned into a visit to a theatre ...
— Here are Ladies • James Stephens


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