angle of incidence
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- the angle that a line makes with a line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidenceSynonyms: angle of incidenceincidence angle
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Incidence \In"ci*dence\, 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]
Angle of incidence \Angle of incidence\ (A["e]ronautics) The angle between the chord of an a["e]rocurve and the relative direction of the undisturbed air current. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]