Definitions for: Incubation


[n] maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development
[n] sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body
[n] (pathology) the phase in the development of an infection between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time the first symptoms appear



Webster (1913) Definition: In`cu*ba"tion, n. [L. incubatio: cf. F.
incubation.]
1. A sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young; a
brooding on, or keeping warm, (eggs) to develop the life
within, by any process. --Ray.

2. (Med.) The development of a disease from its causes, or
its period of incubation. (See below.)

3. A sleeping in a consecrated place for the purpose of
dreaming oracular dreams. --Tylor.

Period of incubation, or Stage of incubation (Med.), the
period which elapses between exposure to the causes of a
disease and the attack resulting from it; the time of
development of the supposed germs or spores.

Synonyms: brooding

See Also: aid, attention, birth, birthing, care, giving birth, infection, parturition, phase, stage, tending

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