incubate

[ in-kyuh-beyt, ing- ]

verb (used with object)

, in·cu·bat·ed, in·cu·bat·ing.

1. to sit upon (eggs) for the purpose of hatching.
2. to hatch (eggs), as by sitting upon them or by artificial heat.
3. to maintain at a favorable temperature and in other conditions promoting development, as cultures of bacteria or prematurely born infants.
4. to develop or produce as if by hatching; give form to:

   His brain was incubating schemes for raising money.

verb (used without object)

, in·cu·bat·ed, in·cu·bat·ing.

1. to sit upon eggs.
2. to undergo incubation.
3. to develop; grow; take form:

   A plan was slowly incubating in her mind.

incubate

/ ˈɪnkjʊˌbeɪt /

verb

1. (of birds) to supply (eggs) with heat for their development, esp by sitting on them
2. to cause (eggs, embryos, bacteria, etc) to develop, esp in an incubator or culture medium
3. intr (of eggs, embryos, bacteria, etc) to develop in favourable conditions, esp in an incubator
4. intr (of disease germs) to remain inactive in an animal or human before causing disease
5. to develop or cause to develop gradually; foment or be fomented

Derived Forms

• ˈincuˌbative, adjective
• ˌincuˈbational, adjective
• ˌincuˈbation, noun

Other Words From

• incu·bative adjective
• un·incu·bated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incubate¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin incubātus, past participle of incubāre “to lie or recline on, to sit on (eggs),” equivalent to in- “in” + cub(āre) “to sit, lie down” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- ², -ate ¹. incumbent, concubine

Word History and Origins

Origin of incubate¹

C18: from Latin incubāre to lie upon, hatch, from in- ² + cubāre to lie down

Example Sentences

By contrast, she says the A$13.7bn set aside to process critical minerals and incubate Australia’s nascent green hydrogen industry “isn’t real money”.

From BBC

Additions could include beer gardens, water features, a viewing tower and small pop-up retail stations to incubate new stores.

From Los Angeles Times

This trend ought to inspire companies across the nation, reminding them that they too can incubate work of the highest level for our most prominent stages.

From Los Angeles Times

By contrast, she says the A$13.7bn set aside to process critical minerals and incubate Australia’s nascent green hydrogen industry “isn’t real money”.

From BBC

Once females lay eggs, scientists incubate them in a facility on base.

From Los Angeles Times