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accident

accident definition

ac·ci·dent (ak′sə dənt)

noun

a happening that is not expected, foreseen, or intended
an unpleasant and unintended happening, sometimes resulting from negligence, that results in injury, loss, damage, etc.
fortune; chance to meet by accident
an attribute or quality that is not essential
Geog., Geol. an irregular formation
Law an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone's fault or negligence

Etymology: ME < OFr < L accidens, prp. of accidere, to fall upon, happen < ad-, to + cadere, to fall: see case

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.