Main Entry: ¹in·ci·dent

Pronunciation: \ˈin(t)-sə-dənt, -ˌdent\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin incident-, incidens, from Latin, present participle of incidere to fall into, from in- + cadere to fall — more at chance

Date: 15th century

1 : something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
2 a : an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : happening b : an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : concomitant
3 : an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters <a serious border incident>

synonyms see occurrence