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Incubation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incubation

[หŒษชnkjสŠหˆbeษชสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

The process of an infectious disease developing within the body after exposure to the causative agent, but before symptoms appear.

Synonyms

development, gestation, manifestation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incubation

Often used in medical or biological contexts to describe the period of development for organisms or diseases in a controlled environment.

  • The scientist monitored the incubation of the bacteria.
  • The incubation period for the flu virus is typically 1-4 days.
development

Generally used to describe the process of growth, progress, or evolution in a wide range of contexts, including personal growth, business projects, and technological advancements.

  • The company's development phase took over a year.
  • Child development is crucial in the early years of life.
gestation

Typically used in biological or medical contexts to refer to the period in which an animal or human embryo develops in the womb.

  • The gestation period for elephants is about 22 months.
  • Human gestation lasts approximately nine months.
manifestation

Used to describe the act of demonstrating or showing something, especially an abstract concept or idea becoming real.

  • Her anger was a manifestation of deeper issues.
  • The artifact is a manifestation of the region's rich history.

Examples of usage

  • The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically between 2 to 14 days.
  • The virus can spread during the incubation period before the person shows any symptoms.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The maintenance of an environment suitable for the growth and development of eggs, cells, or bacteria.

Synonyms

breeding, cultivation, hatching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incubation

Used mainly in the context of keeping eggs warm until they hatch or in scientific scenarios where conditions for growth or development are controlled.

  • The incubation period for the chicken eggs is about 21 days
  • Scientists are conducting experiments in the incubation chamber
breeding

Typically used to describe the process of mating and producing offspring in animals. It can also refer to selective breeding in both plants and animals.

  • The breeding of purebred dogs requires careful selection of parent animals
  • The farmer is focusing on the breeding of high-yield crop varieties
hatching

Specifically used to describe the emergence of young from eggs. It is most commonly used in the context of birds, reptiles, and insects.

  • During the spring, we observed the hatching of several baby turtles
  • The hatching process takes about 21 days for chickens
cultivation

Primarily associated with the process of growing plants and preparing them for harvest. It can also be metaphorically used to describe the development of skills or talents.

  • The cultivation of rice is crucial in many Asian countries
  • Her cultivation of musical talent from a young age was remarkable

Examples of usage

  • The eggs require a specific temperature for proper incubation.
  • Proper incubation is crucial for the success of the experiment.
Context #3 | Noun

business

The development of a new idea or project, typically in a controlled setting.

Synonyms

development, fostering, nurturing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incubation

Typically used in scientific or medical contexts, where it refers to the period or process of maintaining proper conditions for growth or development.

  • The incubation period for the virus is approximately 14 days.
  • The eggs are kept in an incubation chamber until they hatch.
development

A general term used in various contexts such as personal growth, software creation, or economic progress.

  • The development of the new software took over a year.
  • Personal development is essential for a successful career.
nurturing

Similar to fostering, but with a stronger emphasis on care, support, and encouragement. Commonly used in personal, familial, or caregiving contexts.

  • Nurturing a child's curiosity can lead to lifelong love of learning.
  • She has a natural talent for nurturing relationships.
fostering

Often used in the context of promoting growth or nurturing talents, ideas, or children. It implies a caring, supportive role.

  • The teacher played a key role in fostering creativity among her students.
  • Fostering a positive work environment is crucial for employee satisfaction.

Examples of usage

  • The company has an incubation program for startups.
  • The incubation of new products is essential for innovation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Temperature is crucial during incubation; for instance, most bird eggs need to be kept around 37.5ยฐC (99.5ยฐF) to develop properly.
  • Some species, like certain turtles, have temperature-sensitive genders; warmer eggs can produce females, while cooler ones produce males.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, incubation practices extend beyond animals to humans, reflecting traditional methods to ensure health and safety of pregnant women.
  • Incubation isnโ€™t only for animals; even young plants need similar nurturing in greenhouses to grow successfully.

Technology

  • Incubators are used in hospitals to help premature babies, providing a warm and controlled environment necessary for their development.
  • In the tech world, โ€˜incubationโ€™ also refers to programs that support start-up businesses with resources to help them grow.

Psychology

  • This concept can also refer to the mental process of developing ideas or solutions, allowing thoughts to evolve in the mind over time.
  • Incubation in problem-solving means taking a break to let ideas form, which can lead to breakthroughs when returning to the task.

Origin of 'incubation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'incubare,' meaning 'to lie upon,' which refers to how some animals keep their eggs warm.
  • In medicine, the term evolved to describe controlled environments used for growing microorganisms or tissues.

The word 'incubation' originates from the Latin word 'incubatio' which means 'a lying down'. The term was initially used in the context of birds sitting on eggs to hatch them. Over time, the term expanded to include other meanings such as the development of ideas and the medical concept of the period between exposure to a disease and the appearance of symptoms.

See also: incubating.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,309 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.