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Webster 1913 Edition


Incubation

Inˊcu-ba′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
incubatio
: cf. F.
incubation
.]
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.

Webster 1828 Edition


Incubation

INCUBA'TION

,
Noun.
[L. incubatio.] The act of sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young.

Definition 2024


incubation

incubation

English

Noun

incubation (plural incubations)

  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.

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French

Noun

incubation f (plural incubations)

  1. incubation