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Tangential definition

-jĕntl
Going off at a tangent; diverging or digressing.
adjective
7
1
Only superficially relevant; divergent.

A tangential remark.

adjective
3
1
Merely touching or slightly connected.
adjective
3
2
Merely touching a subject, not dealing with it at length.
adjective
2
1
The definition of tangential is something only partially related to a main point, or something that verges slightly off-course.

An example of tangential is when you are talking about global warming and you veer off into a discussion of other environmental subjects that aren't directly related to global warming.

adjective
0
0
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Referring to a tangent, moving at a tangent to something.
adjective
0
0
Merely touching, positioned as a tangent.
adjective
0
0
Only indirectly related.

That subject is tangential to our discussion, and we cannot let it distract us.

adjective
0
0
Of, relating to, or moving along or in the direction of a tangent.
adjective
0
1
Of, like, or in the direction of a tangent.
adjective
0
1
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Drawn as a tangent.
adjective
0
1

Tangential Sentence Examples

  • Lord Rayleigh has shown that there is a tangential motion as well as a motion in and out.

  • This is called the tangential area, and will be denoted by T1.

  • Secondary growth in thickness is effected by the tangential division of superficial cells.

  • A curve tangential to all the sides of the polygon is the line of pressures.

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Related articles

Words near tangential in the Dictionary