/ˈtændʒənt ||; ˈtændʒənt/noun[C] 1 a straight line that touches a curve but does not cross it 切线 ☞picture at circle 见circle插图
2 (mathematics数学) (abbr tan) the RATIO of the length of the side opposite an angle in a RIGHT-ANGLED triangle (= a triangle with one angle of 90°) to the length of the side next to it 正切(三角函数之一,指直角三角形某锐角的对边与其邻边之比) ☞Compare cosine and sine. 与cosine及sine比较。
go off at a tangent (
US 美) ;
go off on a tangent to suddenly start saying or doing sth that seems to have no connection with what has gone before 突然改变话题或行动