/ 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:
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)