Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Tangent
Tan′gent
,Noun.
[L. ]
tangens
, -entis
, p. pr. of tangere
to touch; akin to Gr. [GREEK] having seized: cf. F. tangente
. Cf. Attain
, Contaminate
, Contingent
, Entire
, Tact
, Taste
, Tax
, Verb.
T.
(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.
Tan′gent
,Adj.
[L.
tangens
, -entis
, p. pr.] 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Tangent
TAN'GENT
,Noun.
In geometry, a right line which touches a curve, but which when produced, does not cut it. In trigonometry, the tangent of an arc, is a right line touching the arc at one extremity, and terminated by a second passing through the other extremity.