1 N‑COUNT A tangent is a line that touches the edge of a curve or circle at one point, but does not cross it.
2 PHRASE If someone goes off at a tangent , they start saying or doing something that is not directly connected with what they were saying or doing before. □ The conversation went off at a tangent.
tan|gen|tial /tændʒe nʃ ə l/
1 ADJ If you describe something as tangential , you mean that it has only a slight or indirect connection with the thing you are concerned with, and is therefore not worth considering seriously. [FORMAL ] □ Too much time was spent discussing tangential issues.
2 ADJ If something is tangential to something else, it is at a tangent to it. □ [+ to ] …point T, where the demand curve is tangential to the straight line L.
tan|ge|rine /tæ ndʒəriː n/ (tangerines ) N‑COUNT A tangerine is a small sweet orange.
tan|gible /tæ ndʒ I b ə l/ ADJ If something is tangible , it is clear enough or definite enough to be easily seen, felt, or noticed. □ There should be some tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover. ● tan|gibly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ This tangibly demonstrated that the world situation could be improved.
tan|gle /tæ ŋg ə l/ (tangles , tangling , tangled )
1 N‑COUNT A tangle of something is a mass of it twisted together in an untidy way. □ [+ of ] A tangle of wires is all that remains of the computer and phone systems.
2 VERB If something is tangled or tangles , it becomes twisted together in an untidy way. □ [get/be V -ed + in ] Animals get tangled in fishing nets and drown. □ [V -ed] She tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet. □ [V ] Her hair tends to tangle. □ [V n] He suggested that tangling fishing gear should be made a criminal offence. [Also get/be V -ed]
3 N‑SING You can refer to a confusing or complicated situation as a tangle . □ I was thinking what a tangle we had got ourselves into. [Also + of ]
4 VERB [usu passive] If ideas or situations are tangled , they become confused and complicated. □ [get/be V -ed] The themes get tangled in Mr Mahfouz's epic storytelling. □ [V -ed] You are currently in a muddle where financial and emotional concerns are tangled together. ● tan|gled ADJ □ His personal life has become more tangled than ever.
▸ tangle up
1 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a person or thing is tangled up in something such as wire or ropes, they are caught or trapped in it. □ [get/be V -ed P + in ] Sheep kept getting tangled up in it and eventually the wire was removed. □ [get/be V -ed P ] The teeth are like razors. Once you get tangled up it will never let you go.
2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If you are tangled up in a complicated or unpleasant situation, you are involved in it and cannot get free of it. □ [get/be V -ed P + in/with ] The heroine gets tangled up in a murky murder case. ● tan|gled up ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ [+ in ] Buddy and Joe appeared to be more and more tangled up in secrets.
tan|go /tæ ŋgoʊ/ (tangos , tangoing , tangoed )
1 N‑SING The tango is a South American dance in which two people hold each other closely, walk quickly in one direction, then walk quickly back again.
2 N‑VAR A tango is a piece of music intended for tango dancing. □ A tango was playing on the jukebox. □ The sounds of tango filled the air.
3 VERB If you tango , you dance the tango. □ [V ] They can rock and roll, they can tango, but they can't bop.
4 it takes two to tango → see two
tangy /tæ ŋi/ (tangier , tangiest ) ADJ A tangy flavour or smell is one that is sharp, especially a flavour like that of lemon juice or a smell like that of sea air.
tank ◆◇◇ /tæ ŋk/ (tanks )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tank is a large container for holding liquid or gas. □ …an empty fuel tank. □ Two water tanks provide a total capacity of 400 litres.
2 N‑COUNT A tank is a large military vehicle that is equipped with weapons and moves along on metal tracks that are fitted over the wheels.
3 → see also septic tank , think-tank COLLOCATIONS tank NOUN
1
noun + tank : fuel, oxygen, petrol, water; fish; storage
adjective + tank : empty, full
verb + tank : drain, empty; fill; install
2
noun + tank : army
verb + tank : deploy; destroy
tank|ard /tæ ŋkə r d/ (tankards ) N‑COUNT A tankard is a large metal cup with a handle, which you can drink beer from. ● N‑COUNT A tankard of beer is an amount of it contained in a tankard. □ [+ of ] …a tankard of ale.
tanked /tæ ŋkt/ in BRIT, also use tanked up ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is tanked or tanked up , they are drunk. [INFORMAL ]
tank|er /tæ ŋkə r / (tankers )
1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A tanker is a very large ship used for transporting large quantities of gas or liquid, especially oil. □ An oil tanker has run aground.
2 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A tanker is a large truck, railway vehicle, or aircraft used for transporting large quantities of a substance.