[in.ci.dent] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. ML incident-, incidens, fr. L, prp. of incidere to fall into, fr. in- + cadere to fall--more at chance] (15c) 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 esp. in diplomatic matters "a serious border ~" syn see occurrence
[2]incident adj (15c) 1: occurring or likely to occur esp. as a minor consequence or accompaniment "the confusion ~ to moving day"
2: dependent on or relating to another thing in law
3: falling or striking on something "~ light rays"