v. t. [ L. incidere; pref. in- in + caedere to cut. See Concise, and cf. Incise. ] To cut; to separate and remove; to resolve or break up, as by medicines. [ Obs. ] Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. incidence. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A falling on or upon; an incident; an event; an occurrence. [ Obs. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physics) The direction in which a body, or a ray of light or heat, falls on any surface. [ 1913 Webster ]

In equal incidences there is a considerable inequality of refractions. Sir I. Newton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The rate or ratio at which something occurs; as, the incidence of murder in Los Angeles; the incidence of cancer in men over 50. [ PJC ]

Angle of incidence, the angle which a ray of light, or the line of incidence of a body, falling on any surface, makes with a perpendicular to that surface; also formerly, the complement of this angle. --
Line of incidence, the line in the direction of which a surface is struck by a body, ray of light, and the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Incidence. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. incidens, -entis, p. pr. & of incidere to fall into or upon; pref. in- in, on + cadere to fall: cf. F. incident. See Cadence. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining. [ 1913 Webster ]

All chances incident to man's frail life. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

The studies incident to his profession. Milward. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal. [ 1913 Webster ]

Incident proposition (Logic), a proposition subordinate to another, and introduced by who, which, whose, whom, etc.; as, Julius, whose surname was Cæsar, overcame Pompey. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. incident. ] 1. That which falls out or takes place; an event; casualty; occurrence. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which happens aside from the main design; an accidental or subordinate action or event. [ 1913 Webster ]

No person, no incident, in a play but must be of use to carry on the main design. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Happening, as an occasional event, without regularity; coming without design; casual; accidental; hence, not of prime concern; subordinate; collateral; as, an incidental conversation; an incidental occurrence; incidental expenses. [ 1913 Webster ]

By some, religious duties . . . appear to be regarded . . . as an incidental business. Rogers.

Syn. -- Accidental; casual; fortuitous; contingent; chance; collateral. See Accidental.

-- In`ci*den"tal*ly, adv. -- In`ci*den"tal*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

I treat either or incidentally of colors. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An incident; that which is incidental; esp., in the plural, an aggregate of subordinate or incidental items not particularized; as, the expense of tuition and incidentals. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. Incidentally. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]