incubation Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

In`cu*ba"tion noun
Etymology
L. incubatio: cf. F. incubation.
Definitions
  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. for infectious diseases

Webster 1913