incident

The definition of an incident is something that happens, possibly as a result of something else.

(noun)

An example of incident is seeing a butterfly while taking a walk.
An example of incident is someone going to jail after being arrested for shoplifting.

See incident in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

likely to happen as a result or concomitant; incidental (to): the cares incident to parenthood
falling upon, striking, or affecting: incident rays
Law dependent upon or involved in something else

Origin: OFr < ML < prp. of L incidere, to fall upon < in-, on + cadere, to fall: see case

noun

something that happens; happening; occurrence
something that happens as a result of or in connection with something more important; minor event or episode, esp. one in a novel, play, etc.
1. an apparently minor conflict, disturbance, etc., as between persons, states, etc., that may have serious results
2. a minor public disturbance, fracas, etc.
Law something incident to something else

Origin: ME incydente

See incident in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A definite and separate occurrence; an event. See Synonyms at occurrence.
A usually minor event or condition that is subordinate to another.
Something contingent on or related to something else.
An occurrence or event that interrupts normal procedure or precipitates a crisis: an international incident.

adjective

Tending to arise or occur as a result or accompaniment: “There is a professional melancholy . . . incident to the occupation of a tailor” (Charles Lamb).
Related to or dependent on another thing.
Physics Falling upon or striking a surface: incident radiation.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French, apt to happen, an incident

Origin: , from Latin incidēns, incident-

Origin: , present participle of incidere, to happen

Origin: : in-, on; see in-²

Origin: + cadere, to fall; see kad- in Indo-European roots

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