English Reference
noun

incidence

n.
US /ˈɪnsədəns/ UK /ˈɪnsɪdəns/ in·ci·dence UK spelling incidences

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the way that light, heat, or an object hits a surface.

    the striking of a surface by a ray of light, a particle, or a projectile.

    Simple

    The angle of incidence determines how much light is reflected off the water.

    In context

    By adjusting the angle of incidence, the researchers were able to minimize the amount of radiation absorbed by the protective shielding.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    the way the burden of a tax falls on different people.

    the final distribution of the economic burden of a tax.

    Simple

    The government is studying the incidence of the new carbon tax on low-income families.

    In context

    Economists debated the statutory versus the economic incidence of the corporate tax, noting that the ultimate burden often shifts to the consumer.

Usage reduce incidence

Another alleged victim described multiple incidences of physical violence.

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026

We found that people who experienced longer periods of sugar rationing during their first 1,000 days had a lower incidence of five types of cancer: breast, prostate, liver, rectal and lung cancer.

ScienceDaily· 26 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated