Found 2 items, similar to Angle of incidence.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: angle of incidence angle of incidence n : the angle that a line makes with a line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence [syn: incidence angle]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Angle of incidence 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.]