What is tangent meaning?

As a mathematical term, tangent is used to describe a straight line that intersects a curve or surface at only one point, known as the point of tangency. This line is also known as the tangent line and is perpendicular to the radius of the curve or surface at the point of tangency. Tangents are commonly used in trigonometry where they are used to calculate the sides or angles of a right triangle. They are also used extensively in calculus to define derivatives and slope of curves. The term tangent is also used in non-mathematical contexts to describe a sudden change in direction, as in the phrase "going off on a tangent."