Definition:Cotangent

Linguistic Note
Like tangent, the word cotangent comes from the Latin tangentus that which is touching, the present participle of tangere to touch.

The co- prefix, as with similar trigonometric functions, is a reference to complementary angle: see Cotangent of Complement equals Tangent.

It is pronounced with an equal emphasis on both the first and second syllables: co-tan-jent.

Also see

 * Definition:Sine
 * Definition:Cosine
 * Definition:Tangent Function
 * Definition:Secant
 * Definition:Cosecant


 * Shape of Cotangent Function


 * Cotangent of Complement equals Tangent