Tangential meaning

-jĕn'tl
Going off at a tangent; diverging or digressing.
adjective
4
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
1
1
Merely touching or slightly connected.
adjective
1
1
Only superficially relevant; divergent.

A tangential remark.

adjective
1
1
Merely touching a subject, not dealing with it at length.
adjective
1
1
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Merely touching, positioned as a tangent.
adjective
1
1
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
Drawn as a tangent.
adjective
0
1
Referring to a tangent, moving at a tangent to something.
adjective
0
1
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Only indirectly related.

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

adjective
0
1

Sentence Examples

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

  • tangential interest on some specific areas.

  • Within the crust of the earth, whether by the contraction of the interior or in any other way, tangential pressures were set up. Since the crust is not of uniform strength throughout, only the weaker portions yielded to the pressure; and these were crumpled up against the more resisting portions and sometimes were pushed over them.

  • 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.

More sentences →

Words near tangential in the Dictionary