adjective relating to or along a tangent; diverging from a previous course or line; only slightly connected; digressive
In mathematics, tangential refers to something that is related to or along a tangent line or tangent plane.
In psychology, tangential thinking can refer to a thought process that goes off on a tangent or unrelated direction.
In astronomy, tangential velocity is the component of an object's velocity that is perpendicular to the line of sight from the observer.
In engineering, tangential can refer to a component of a force or velocity that is perpendicular to the radial direction.
In physics, tangential is often used to describe a force or motion that is perpendicular to the radial direction.
In writing, 'tangential' is used to describe a point or idea that is slightly related or off-topic from the main focus of the text.
Psychologists may use 'tangential' to describe a patient's thought process that goes off on unrelated or irrelevant tangents during therapy sessions.
Engineers may use 'tangential' to refer to components or aspects of a project that are related but not directly impacting the main goal or outcome.
Teachers may use 'tangential' to describe discussions or questions from students that are not directly related to the topic being taught.