Definition of tangent
- v. t. - 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.
- a. - Touching; touching at a single point
- a. - 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.