Definition of tangential

competent Definition: (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable Petersons.com

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< tangent

tangent line >

tan·gen·tial    (tn-jnshl) KEY   also tan·gen·tal   (-jntl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or moving along or in the direction of a tangent.
2. Merely touching or slightly connected.
3. Only superficially relevant; divergent: a tangential remark.

OTHER FORMS:
tan·genti·ali·ty   (-sh-l-t) KEY  (Noun), tan·gential·ly (Adverb)

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