ˈɪnsɪdəns n. 1 (often foll. by of)
the fact,
manner, or rate, of
occurrence or
action. 2 the
range, scope, or
extent of
influence of a
thing. 3
Physics the falling of a line, or of a thing
moving in a line,
upon a
surface. 4 the
act or an
instance of
coming into contact with a thing. øangle of incidence the
angle which an
incident line, ray,
etc., makes with the
perpendicular to the surface at the
point of incidence. [ME f. OF incidence or med.L incidentia (as INCIDENT)]