I. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|dent ə l adjective
Etymology: incident (I) + -al; probably influenced in meaning by Medieval Latin incidenter incidentally, adverb, from Latin incident-, incidens
1. : subordinate, nonessential, or attendant in position or significance: as
a. : occurring merely by chance or without intention or calculation : occurring as a minor concomitant
allowing a few dollars extra for incidental expenses
the incidental gain which such a policy may win — J.A.Hobson
man may be an incidental host of the sheep liver fluke
b. : being likely to ensue as a chance or minor consequence — usually used with to
labor problems incidental to rapidly expanding factories — American Guide Series: Massachusetts
c. : lacking effect, force, or consequence : not receiving much consideration or calculation
a cool, purely incidental , and passive contempt — Herman Melville
d. : presented purposefully but as though without consideration or intention ; often : digressive
an incidental allusion, purposely thrown out, to the day of the week — Charles Dickens
2. : met or encountered casually or by accident : chance
incidental traveling companions
an incidental shipboard acquaintance
Synonyms: see accidental
II. noun
( -s )
1. : something that is incidental : a subordinate or incidental item
no such incidental as personal sensibilities can be allowed to interfere with the overall plan of the survey
2. incidentals plural : minor items (as of expense) that are not particularized
a bill for tuition and incidentals