Tangential
/tænˈdʒɛn.ʃəl/noun
Relating to or along a tangent; diverging from a previous course or line.
Did you know?The concept of tangents was used in ancient geometry to explore the boundaries of knowledge, suggesting that what we touch may lead us to profound discoveries.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
tangens
“touching”
Late Latin
Late Latin
tangentialis
“pertaining to touch or contact”
14th Century
Old French
tangentiel
“relating to or touching”
16th Century
English
tangential
“of or relating to a tangent, diverging from the main topic”