Incubated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incubated
[ˈɪŋkjuˌbeɪtɪd ]
Definition
biological process
Incubated is the past tense of the verb 'incubate,' which refers to the process of maintaining something under conditions favorable for growth, development, or reaction. This term is frequently used in various biological contexts, including the incubation of eggs by birds, where the eggs are kept warm for hatching. It can also describe the maintenance of cultures of microorganisms or cells in a controlled environment. The process is crucial in numerous scientific fields, including embryology and microbiology.
Synonyms
brood, culture, develop, hatch.
Examples of usage
- The scientist incubated the bacteria for 24 hours.
- The hen incubated her eggs until they hatched.
- They incubated the samples in a warm environment.
- The researcher incubated the cells in a nutrient-rich medium.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, incubation is crucial for the hatching of eggs, where temperature and humidity are monitored for success.
- Incubators are often used in medical settings to care for premature infants, providing a controlled environment for growth.
- In laboratory settings, cell cultures are incubated to promote growth, allowing scientists to study them in optimal conditions.
Cultural Significance
- Incubation is metaphorically used in creative processes, where ideas are nurtured and developed until they become fully formed.
- In many cultures, the act of incubating ideas or projects is seen as an essential step in achieving innovation or artistry.
- Incubation has led to the establishment of startup incubators, which support new businesses in their early stages by providing resources and mentorship.
Education
- In educational settings, teachers may 'incubate' ideas by allowing students to reflect on topics over time before discussing them.
- Project-based learning often involves incubating ideas as students work through concepts at their own pace, enhancing understanding.
- The idea of incubating knowledge aligns with the principle of deep learning, where understanding is developed gradually.
Technology
- In software development, incubation may refer to the initial phase where a new technology is tested and refined before its public release.
- Tech incubators provide a space for startups to nurture their ideas, helping them develop into viable businesses.
- The agile methodology in tech encourages 'incubation', allowing teams to iterate on ideas rapidly before finalizing them.
Origin of 'incubated'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'incubate' comes from the Latin word 'incubare', meaning 'to lie upon'.
- It originally referred to the practice of sitting on eggs to incubate them, which is still used today primarily for birds.
- Over time, the term evolved to include the nurturing of any developing organism or concept.
The term 'incubate' originates from the Latin verb 'incubat', meaning 'to lie upon or hatch'. The word evolved in Middle English, derived from the Latin term, and became more commonly used in the 17th century. Initially, it referred to the act of sitting on eggs to hatch them, a practice observed in various bird species. Over time, its meaning expanded into scientific fields to include the cultivation of microorganisms under controlled conditions. Today, 'incubate' is a widely used term across disciplines including biology, medical research, and even metaphorically in business contexts, such as 'incubating' new ideas or startups.