Incubation

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From Latin incubationem, from incubare.

Full definition of incubation

Noun

1. Sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young; a brooding on, or keeping warm, to develop the life within, by any process.
2. (pathology) The development of a disease from its causes, or its period of incubation. (See below.)
3. (chemistry) A period of little reaction which is followed by more rapid reaction.
4. Sleeping in a temple or other holy place in order to have oracular dreams.
• 1978, Benjamin Walker, Encyclopedia of Metaphysical Medicine, Routledge 1978, p. 144:Incubation in the vicinity of burial places, cremation grounds, holy wells and sacred streams was common. The ancient Hebrews visited vaults or slept among tombs to get meaningful dreams.

Derived terms

• incubation period

Related terms

• incubate
• incubative
• incubator