Conception

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kÉ™nˈsÉ›pʃən/

Origin

From Middle English conceptioun, from Old French conception, from Latin conceptio ("a comprehending, a collection, composition, an expression, also a becoming pregnant"), from concipere, past participle conceptus ("conceive"); see conceive.

Full definition of conception

Noun

1. The act of conceiving.
2. The state of being conceived; the beginning.
3. The fertilization of an ovum by a sperm to form a zygote.
4. The start of pregnancy.
5. The formation of a conceptus or an implanted embryo.
6. The power or faculty of apprehending of forming an idea in the mind; the power of recalling a past sensation or perception; the ability to form mental abstractions.
7. An image, idea, or notion formed in the mind; a concept, plan or design.

Coordinate terms

• inception

Antonyms

• misconception

Related terms

• conceive
• concept