1. Happening by chance, unexpectedly or unintentionally
   "accidental poisoning"; "an accidental shooting";
   - inadvertent
    
2. Not of prime or central importance
   "the character's motives remain accidental to the plot";
   - incidental, nonessential
    
3. Occurring by chance consequence but of minor or secondary importance
   "The political message was accidental rather than intended";
   - incidental

1. A musical notation that makes a note sharp, flat or natural although that is not part of the key signature
   "The pianist had to pay close attention to the accidentals in the complex piece"

Derived forms: accidentals

See also: inessential, omissible, parenthetic, parenthetical, peripheral, secondary, unessential, unintended

Type of: musical notation

Encyclopedia: Accidental