n. 1 an event that is without apparent cause, or is unexpected (their early arrival was just an accident). 2 an unfortunate event, esp. one causing physical harm or damage, brought about unintentionally. 3 occurrence of things by chance; the working of fortune (accident accounts for much in life). 4 colloq. an occurrence of involuntary urination or defecation. 5 an irregularity in structure. accident-prone (of a person) subject to frequent accidents. by accident unintentionally.
[ ME f. OF f. LL accidens f. L accidere (as AC-, cadere fall) ]