cotangent

noun

co·tan·gent (ˌ)kō-ˈtan-jənt

ˈkō-ˌtan-

1

: a trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the leg adjacent to the angle when it is considered part of a right triangle and the leg opposite

2

: a trigonometric function cot θ that is equal to the cosine divided by the sine for all real numbers θ for which the sine is not equal to zero and is exactly equal to the cotangent of an angle of measure θ in radians

Word History

Etymology

New Latin cotangent-, cotangens, from co- + tangent-, tangens tangent

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of cotangent was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cotangent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotangent. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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