incident

Etymology

Recorded since 1412, from Middle French incident, from Latin incidens, the present active participle of incidō (“to happen, befall”), itself from in- (“on”) + -cidō, the combining form of cadō (“to fall”).

noun

1. (countable, uncountable) An event or occurrence.
   She could not recall the time of the incident.
   It was an incident that he hoped to forget.
   The suspect was released without further incident.
2. A (relatively minor) event that is incidental to, or related to others.
3. An event that causes or may cause an interruption or a crisis, such as a workplace illness or a software error.

adj

1. Arising as the result of an event, inherent.
2. (physics, of a stream of particles or radiation) Falling on or striking a surface.
   The incident light illuminated the surface.
3. Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous.
4. Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
   17th century, Richard Milward, "Preface" to Seldeniana the studies incident to his profession
   The Vives, like the strangles, is most incident to young horses, and usually proceeds from the same causes, such as catching cold, being over-heated, or over-worked, about the time of shedding their teeth. 1816, Richard Lawrence, The complete farrier, and British sportsman, page 245
5. (law) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal.