Library / English Dictionary

TANGENTIAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of superficial relevance if any

Example:

a tangential remark

Synonyms:

digressive; tangential

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

irrelevant (having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of or relating to or acting along or in the direction of a tangent

Example:

tangential forces

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Pertainym:

tangent (a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point)

Derivation:

tangent (ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle)

tangent (a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point)

Credits