tan·gen·tial /tænˈʤɛn(t)ʃəl/
(a.)切線的,相切的,正切的,離題的,扯遠的,膚淺的
tangential
切線
Tan·gen·tial a. Geom. Of or pertaining to a tangent; in the direction of a tangent.
Tangential force Mech., a force which acts on a moving body in the direction of a tangent to the path of the body, its effect being to increase or diminish the velocity; -- distinguished from a normal force, which acts at right angles to the tangent and changes the direction of the motion without changing the velocity.
Tangential stress. Engin. See Shear, n., 3.
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tangential
adj 1: of superficial relevance if any; "a digressive allusion to
the day of the week"; "a tangential remark" [syn: digressive]
2: of or relating to or acting along or in the direction of a
tangent; "tangential forces"