incubation
UK: ˌɪŋkjuˈbeɪʃən | US: ˌɪŋkjuˈbeɪʃən
n. the process of incubating eggs, cells, or bacteria
n. the development of an infection or disease before symptoms appear
n. a period of quiet growth or development (e.g., an idea)
The word "incubation" traces back to Latin incubare ("to lie upon" or "hatch"), combining in- (in) and cubare (to lie down). Originally used for birds sitting on eggs to hatch them, the term expanded metaphorically to describe bacterial growth (19th century) and latent disease development. The root cub- also appears in "incubator" (a device for hatching or growing organisms) and "concubine" (historically, one who "lies with" another).
The incubation period for chickenpox is about two weeks.
Scientists observed bacterial incubation under controlled conditions.
Her business idea required a long incubation before launch.
The eggs need constant warmth during incubation.
The virus’s incubation made early detection difficult.