Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

incubation

noun

/ˌɪŋkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

Definition

The process of keeping eggs or microorganisms warm in order to enable the development of embryos or growth of bacteria.

Examples

The incubation period for influenza is typically between one to four days.
Farmers must monitor the temperature and humidity during the incubation of chicken eggs.
The scientist observed the incubation of bacterial cultures in the lab.

Meaning

Incubation refers to the critical period during which development occurs under controlled conditions. It can apply to both biological contexts, such as hatching eggs, and scientific processes, such as promoting the growth of cultures in laboratories.