Incubating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incubating

[ษชnหˆkjuหbษ™tษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in business

Developing a new idea or project with the intention of bringing it to fruition.

Synonyms

cultivating, developing, nurturing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incubating

This term is commonly used in biological or scientific contexts, especially when talking about keeping eggs or cells under conditions favorable for hatching or growth.

  • The scientists are incubating the samples to see how they react.
  • The hen is incubating her eggs in the nest.
nurturing

Often used for caring or encouraging growth and development, usually in a personal or emotional context.

  • She is nurturing her child with great care.
  • He is nurturing his talent in music.
developing

A general term that can be used in various contexts, including personal growth, project creation, or technological advancements.

  • The team is developing a new software application.
  • He is developing a better understanding of the subject.
cultivating

Typically used in agricultural or social contexts, it refers to preparing and using land for crops or helping a skill or quality grow.

  • Farmers are cultivating the fields for the next seasonโ€™s crops.
  • She is cultivating her public speaking skills.

Examples of usage

  • She is currently incubating a new business idea.
  • The company is incubating several innovative projects.
Context #2 | Verb

in biology

Keeping something, such as eggs, warm to allow it to develop.

Synonyms

brooding, brooding over, hatching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incubating

Used in a scientific or technical context, often refers to the process of keeping eggs warm until they hatch or growing microorganisms in controlled conditions.

  • The scientist was incubating the bacteria in the petri dish for 24 hours
  • The hen was incubating her eggs to ensure they would hatch
brooding

Refers to the act of keeping eggs warm until they hatch, but can also mean thinking deeply or worrying about something, often in a negative or contemplative manner.

  • The hen was brooding over her nest
  • He spent the evening brooding over his mistakes
hatching

Often used to describe the process of eggs breaking open and young animals being born, but can also mean creating or planning something in secret.

  • The chicks were hatching from their eggs
  • They were hatching a plan to surprise their friend for his birthday
brooding over

Carries a negative connotation, indicating deep, often melancholic contemplation or worry about something.

  • She couldn't stop brooding over the loss of her job
  • He was brooding over the argument with his friend all night

Examples of usage

  • The bird was incubating its eggs in the nest.
  • The eggs need to be incubated at a specific temperature.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, temperature and humidity settings are crucial for successful incubation of eggs, whether bird or reptile.
  • Research suggests that the temperature at which eggs are incubated can affect the gender of some species, like turtles.
  • Controlled incubating processes are now used in many farming practices to improve the hatching rate of poultry.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, egg incubation is symbolic of new beginnings and potential.
  • Incubation practices vary widely across cultures; for instance, some Native American tribes have unique rituals surrounding the incubation period of eagle eggs.
  • The concept of incubating ideas is common in startups, where innovation is nurtured to develop new projects.

Technology

  • Modern incubators for premature infants maintain a controlled environment that can be adjusted for temperature and humidity.
  • Biotechnology utilizes incubating techniques to develop new strains of microorganisms for use in medicine and agriculture.
  • Software incubating refers to the development of new tech projects, where ideas are 'hatched' into viable products.

Psychology

  • In psychology, incubating a problem means stepping away from it temporarily to allow your subconscious to work on a solution.
  • Studies show that giving yourself time away from a challenge can lead to more innovative thinking when you return.
  • Dream incubation is a technique used to influence dreams by focusing on a particular thought before sleep.

Origin of 'incubating'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'incubate' comes from the Latin word 'incubare,' which means 'to lie upon'.
  • It was first used in the 14th century, originally referring to the act of sitting on eggs.
  • In medical terms, 'incubator' was adopted in the late 19th century for devices that keep premature infants warm.

The word 'incubating' originates from the Latin word 'incubare', which means 'to lie down upon'. In English, it was first used in the 17th century with the meaning of 'to sit on eggs for the purpose of hatching'. Over time, the term expanded to include the concept of developing ideas or projects, particularly in the business world.


See also: incubation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,902, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.