'Tangent of an angle' definitions:

Definition of 'Tangent of an angle'

From: GCIDE
  • Tangent \Tan"gent\, n. [L. tangens, -entis, p. pr. of tangere to touch; akin to Gr. ? having seized: cf. F. tangente. Cf. Attain, Contaminate, Contingent, Entire, Tact, Taste, Tax, v. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]