tangent

/ˈtæn.d͡ʒənt/noun
High School
1

A straight line touching a curve at a single point without crossing it there.

2

A function of an angle that gives the ratio of the sine to the cosine, in either the real or complex numbers. Symbols: tan, tg.

3

A topic nearly unrelated to the main topic, but having a point in common with it.

4

A visual interaction between two or more lines or edges that creates a perceived relationship between them, often in a way that the artist did not intend.

5

A small metal blade in a clavichord that strikes the strings to produce sound.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing