What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Incident vs Retroreflection - What's the difference?

incident | retroreflection |

In physics|lang=en terms the difference between incident and retroreflection

is that incident is (physics) (of a stream of particles or radiation ) falling on or striking a surface (eg "the incident light illuminated the surface") while retroreflection is (physics) reflection in which the reflected rays are parallel to the incident rays.

As nouns the difference between incident and retroreflection

is that incident is an event or occurrence while retroreflection is (physics) reflection in which the reflected rays are parallel to the incident rays.

As an adjective incident

is arising as the result of an event, inherent.

incident

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An event or occurrence.
  • A relatively minor event that is incidental to, or related to others
  • An event that may cause or causes an interruption or a crisis
  • In safety, an incident of workplace illness or injury
  • Derived terms

    * incidental * aviation incident * coincident * incident room

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Arising as the result of an event, inherent
  • (physics) (of a stream of particles or radiation ) falling on or striking a surface (e.g. "The incident light illuminated the surface.")
  • Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous.
  • * Hooker
  • As the ordinary course of common affairs is disposed of by general laws, so likewise men's rarer incident necessities and utilities should be with special equity considered.
  • Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
  • * Milton
  • all chances incident to man's frail life
  • * Milward
  • the studies incident to his profession
  • (legal) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal.
  • retroreflection

    English

    Noun

  • (physics) reflection in which the reflected rays are parallel to the incident rays