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tangent

noun [C] (TRIANGLE)
 
 
/ˈtæn.dʒənt/ (written abbreviation tan) specialized

Definition

(in a triangle that has one angle of 90°) the ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle less than 90° divided by the length of the shorter of the two sides that are next to the angle → Compare cosine, sineDescribing angles, lines and orientations tangential
 
 
/tænˈdʒen.ʃəl/ adjective
Digressing and being indirect or evasiveMoving in order to avoid contactNot saying much
(Definition of tangent noun (TRIANGLE) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Focus on the pronunciation of tangent