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Added 9 October 2026

accidental

/ˌæk.sɪˈdɛn.tl̩/ noun

In Latin: fortuītus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about accidental at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A musical notation that makes a note sharp or flat or natural although that is not part of the key signature.

adjective

Happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally.
with an inadvertent gesture she swept the vase off the table
Not of prime or central importance.
nonessential to the integral meanings of poetry

Origin

From Middle English accidental, from Anglo-Norman accidentel, Middle French accidentel, accidental, and their source, Late Latin accidēntālis; corresponding to accident + -al.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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