curve-to-tangent point
1Tangent — For the tangent function see trigonometric functions. For other uses, see tangent (disambiguation). In geometry, the tangent line (or simply the tangent) to a curve at a given point is the straight line that just touches the curve at that point… …
2Tangent space — In mathematics, the tangent space of a manifold is a concept which facilitates the generalization of vectors from affine spaces to general manifolds, since in the latter case one cannot simply subtract two points to obtain a vector pointing from… …
3tangent — /tan jeuhnt/, adj. 1. in immediate physical contact; touching. 2. Geom. a. touching at a single point, as a tangent in relation to a curve or surface. b. in contact along a single line or element, as a plane with a cylinder. 3. tangential (def.… …
4Tangent lines to circles — In Euclidean plane geometry, tangent lines to circles form the subject of several theorems, and play an important role in many geometrical constructions and proofs. Since the tangent line to a circle at a point P is perpendicular to the radius to …
5tangent line — In geometry, a line that intersects a circle exactly once; in calculus, a line that touches a curve at one point and whose slope is equal to that of the curve at that point. Particularly useful as approximations of curves in the immediate… …
6Tangent — Tan gent, a. [L. tangens, entis, p. pr.] Touching; touching at a single point; specifically (Geom.) meeting a curve or surface at a point and having at that point the same direction as the curve or surface; said of a straight line, curve, or… …
7Tangent plane — Tangent Tan gent, a. [L. tangens, entis, p. pr.] Touching; touching at a single point; specifically (Geom.) meeting a curve or surface at a point and having at that point the same direction as the curve or surface; said of a straight line, curve …
8Tangent scale — Tangent Tan gent, a. [L. tangens, entis, p. pr.] Touching; touching at a single point; specifically (Geom.) meeting a curve or surface at a point and having at that point the same direction as the curve or surface; said of a straight line, curve …
9Tangent screw — Tangent Tan gent, a. [L. tangens, entis, p. pr.] Touching; touching at a single point; specifically (Geom.) meeting a curve or surface at a point and having at that point the same direction as the curve or surface; said of a straight line, curve …
10tangent — [tan′jənt] adj. [L tangens, prp. of tangere, to touch: see TACT] 1. that touches; touching 2. Geom. touching and not intersecting a curve or curved surface at one and only one point: said of a line or plane n. [< ModL ( linea) tangens, tangent …
