Incubate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
incubate
[หษชลkjสหbeษชt ]
Definitions
in biology
To provide the conditions necessary for growth, development, or successful outcomes, especially in a controlled environment such as an incubator.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incubate |
Used in both a biological and metaphorical sense. Biologically, it refers to maintaining eggs at a specific temperature to allow development. Metaphorically, it means to develop an idea or project over time.
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| breed |
Typically refers to the mating and production of offspring in animals or plants, usually under controlled conditions. Can sometimes have a negative connotation when referring to over-emphasis on certain traits.
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| hatch |
Refers specifically to the process of an egg breaking open and an animal being born. Can also be used metaphorically for the beginning of an idea or plan.
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| cultivate |
Commonly used in agriculture to describe preparing and using land to grow crops. It can also mean to develop a skill or quality. Metaphorically, it means to nurture or encourage growth.
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Examples of usage
- Incubate the bacterial cultures at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours.
- The eggs need to be incubated for two weeks before they hatch.
in business
To develop or maintain a project, idea, or company in its early stages, often with the intention of future growth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incubate |
Used when talking about creating the right conditions for growth, especially in biological or technological contexts. It often implies a controlled environment and a beginning stage.
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| nurture |
Focuses on caring for and encouraging growth over time, often in emotional, personal, or educational contexts. It implies a tender, ongoing effort.
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| develop |
General term for making something grow or improve. It's versatile and can be used in various contexts like skills, projects, or relationships.
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| foster |
Implies encouraging growth or development, usually through support and care. It is often used in social, educational, or emotional contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The startup incubated their product for a year before launching it to the public.
- Our company offers a program to help entrepreneurs incubate their business ideas.
in psychology
To maintain a thought, feeling, or belief in one's mind over a period of time, often leading to a change in behavior or attitude.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incubate |
Used mostly in scientific contexts, especially when referring to the process of keeping something (like eggs or bacteria) at the right conditions for development.
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| ponder |
Used when talking about thinking deeply or carefully about something, often in a serious or reflective manner.
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| mull over |
Informal way to describe thinking deeply and carefully about something, often used in everyday conversation.
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| ruminate |
Used to describe thinking deeply about something, often repeatedly or for a long time. It can sometimes have a negative connotation of overthinking.
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Examples of usage
- She continued to incubate the idea of traveling the world until she finally made it happen.
- The therapist encouraged him to incubate positive thoughts to improve his mental well-being.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In microbiology, incubation refers to the process of keeping cultures of microorganisms at specific temperatures to promote growth.
- Incubation is critical in various scientific fields, including medicine, where itโs used to grow bacteria for testing.
- The ideal incubation temperature for many living organisms falls around 37 degrees Celsius, which is close to the temperature of the human body.
Pop Culture
- In the tech world, companies often use incubation programs to help start-ups develop their ideas before launching them into the market.
- Films and books sometimes portray scientists in laboratories as 'incubators' of new ideas, emphasizing the creativity and innovation happening during the process.
- The idea of 'incubation' has even made its way into entertainment with reality shows focusing on the development of products and ideas.
History
- Ancient civilizations, such as Egyptians and Chinese, used natural heat sources to incubate eggs long before modern technologies were invented.
- The first mechanical incubators were developed in the 18th century, paving the way for poultry farming and improved agriculture.
- In the 20th century, advances in incubator technology significantly improved hatch rates for chickens and other poultry, impacting food supply.
Psychology
- In creative processes, the term 'incubation' refers to a period of mental rest during which ideas can mature subconsciously without active thinking.
- Research suggests that stepping away from a problem often leads to insights or solutions, as ideas incubate in the mind.
- The incubation effect illustrates how taking breaks is vital for effective problem-solving and creativity, revealing the brainโs unique processing capabilities.
Origin of 'incubate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'incubate' comes from the Latin word 'incubare', meaning 'to lie upon', which relates to how birds sit on eggs.
- In medieval times, 'incubation' was associated not only with hatching eggs but also with the process of resting and nurturing ideas.
- The term evolved in the 20th century to include scientific and technological meanings beyond just biology.
The word 'incubate' originates from the Latin word 'incubare', meaning 'to lie in or upon'. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts, from biology to business and psychology. The concept of providing a nurturing environment for growth and development remains central to the meaning of 'incubate'.