-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
angle of incidence
noun phrase
: the angle that a line (such as a ray of light) falling on a surface or interface makes with the normal drawn at the point of incidence
Examples of angle of incidence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The light hits at a larger and larger angle of incidence (θ1 approaches 90 degrees), but the angle of refraction hardly changes anymore.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1626, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of angle of incidence was
in 1626
Dictionary Entries Near angle of incidence
Cite this Entry
“Angle of incidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angle%20of%20incidence. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
angle of incidence
: the angle that a ray meeting a surface makes with a perpendicular to the surface at the point of contact
Medical Definition
angle of incidence
noun
: the angle that a line (as a ray of light) falling on a surface or interface makes with the normal drawn at the point of incidence
More from Merriam-Webster on angle of incidence
Nglish: Translation of angle of incidence for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about angle of incidence
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share