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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'angle of incidence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 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

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