'Angle of incidence' definitions:
Definition of 'angle of incidence'
From: WordNet
noun
The angle that a line makes with a line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence [syn: angle of incidence, incidence angle]
Definition of 'Angle of incidence'
From: 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]