incidence

[in-si-duhns]

noun

1. the rate or range of occurrence or influence of something, especially of something unwanted.

   the high incidence of heart disease in men over 40.

2. a falling upon, affecting, or befalling; occurrence.

   The incidence of murder that Sunday afternoon shocked the sleepy village.

3. Optics, Physics.

   1. the striking of a ray of light, beam of electrons, etc., on a surface, or the direction of striking.

   2. angle of incidence.

4. the fact or the manner of being incident.

5. Geometry.,  partial coincidence of two figures, as of a line and a plane containing it.

incidence

/ ˈɪnsɪdəns /

noun

1. degree, extent, or frequency of occurrence; amount

   a high incidence of death from pneumonia

2. the act or manner of impinging on or affecting by proximity or influence

3. physics the arrival of a beam of light or particles at a surface See also angle of incidence

4. geometry the partial coincidence of two configurations, such as a point that lies on a circle

Word History and Origins

Origin of incidence¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin incidentia. See incident, -ence

Example Sentences

Firstly, the US president claimed that incidence has increased from around "one in 10,000…probably 18 years ago" to "one in 31" by 2025.

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The result: higher mortality and poorer outcomes, even when incidence is lower than among women.

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The country has the highest incidence of skin cancers in the world and it is estimated that two out of three Australians will have at least one cut out in their lifetime.

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Among a population of veterans who have a high incidence of mental and physical debilities, some get discouraged and drop out of the process.

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Its incidence in Zambia has dropped by two-thirds since 1996, when the U.S. began funding malaria control.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• extent 
• frequency 
• percentage 
• prevalence 
• proportion 
• rate