n. & adj.
n. 1 a straight line, curve, or surface that meets another curve or curved surface at a point, but if extended does not intersect it at that point. 2 the ratio of the sides opposite and adjacent to an angle in a right-angled triangle.
adj. 1 (of a line or surface) that is a tangent. 2 touching. at a tangent diverging from a previous course of action or thought etc. (go off at a tangent). tangent galvanometer a galvanometer with a coil through which the current to be measured is passed, its strength being proportional to the tangent of the angle of deflection. tangency n.
[ L tangere tangent- touch ]