incident Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a single distinct event
noun a public disturbance
- the police investigated an incident at the bus station
adjective falling or striking of light rays on something
- incident light
adjective (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
incidental.
- incidental expenses
- the road will bring other incidental advantages
- extra duties incidental to the job
- labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion
- confusion incidental to a quick change

L. incidens, -entis, p. pr. & of incidere to fall into or upon; pref. in- in, on + cadere to fall: cf. F. incident. See Cadence.

Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface.
Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous.
As the ordinary course of common affairs is disposed of by general laws, so likewise men's rarer incident necessities and utilities should be with special equity considered. Hooker.
Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
All chances incident to man's frail life. Milton.

The studies incident to his profession. Milward.
(Law) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal. I. Watts.

Cf. F. incident.

That which falls out or takes place; an event; casualty; occurrence.
That which happens aside from the main design; an accidental or subordinate action or event.
No person, no incident, in a play but must be of use to carry on the main design. Dryden.
(Law) Something appertaining to, passing with, or depending on, another, called the principal. Tomlins. Syn. -- Circumstance; event; fact; adventure; contingency; chance; accident; casualty. See Event.