For‐tu″i‐tous (?), a. [L. fortuitus; akin to forte, adv., by chance, prop. abl. of fors, fortis, chance. See Fortune.] 1. Happening by chance; coming or occuring unexpectedly, or without any known cause; chance; as, the fortuitous concourse of atoms.
It was from causes seemingly fortuitous... that all the mighty effects of the Reformation flowed. Robertson.
So as to throw a glancing and fortuitous light upon the whole. Hazlitt.
2. (LAw) Happening independently of human will or means of foresight; resulting from unavoidable physical causes. Abbott.
Syn. — Accidental; casual; contingent; incidental. See Accidental.
— For‐tu″i‐tous‐ly, adv. — For‐tu″i‐tous‐ness, n.