n.
Pronunciation: ' in(t)-s ə -d ə nt, - ˌ dent
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin incident-, incidens, from Latin, present participle of incidere to fall into, from in- + cadere to fall ― more at CHANCE
Date: 15th century
1 : something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
2 a : an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : HAPPENING b : an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : CONCOMITANT
3 : an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters <a serious border incident >
synonyms see OCCURRENCE