incubate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to keep eggs warm under conditions that allow embryos to develop and hatch

   Both parent birds incubate the eggs for about three weeks.

2. 2
   verb

   to maintain cells, microorganisms, or tissue under conditions that promote growth

   The technician will incubate the cultures overnight at 37 degrees Celsius.

3. 3
   verb

   to develop an idea, plan, or project gradually before bringing it into use

   The studio incubated the documentary project for several years.

From Latin incubare, 'lie upon or brood,' from in-, 'on or upon,' + cubare, 'lie down.' The biological sense was extended from birds brooding eggs to laboratory cultivation and then metaphorically to slowly developing ideas or ventures.

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