The term Tanagra had multiple meanings among the languages in the sector that contained the El-Adrel system.
In attempting to understand the meaning of Tamarian Captain Dathon's phase "Darmok at Tanagra" in 2368, Lieutenant Commander Data had run the USS Enterprise-D's computer search for the term Tanagra in all databases. Some meanings included:
- Tanagra, the ruling family on Gallos II.
- Tanagra, a ceremonial drink on Lerishi IV.
- Tanagra, an island-continent on Shantil III.
Based on those results, he was able to cross reference with the term Darmok, and establish the two terms were related, but not the narrative behind the relationship, to establish a meaningful response. He later described it as being "analogous to understanding the grammar of a language but none of the vocabulary." (TNG: "Darmok")
According to the scriptTanagra was pronounced as "tuh-NAH-gruh".