incubate

[ˈɪŋkjʊbeɪt]

incubate Definition

• 1. to keep eggs warm, especially until they hatch
• 2. to develop and grow, or help someone or something to do this
• 3. to maintain something at a constant temperature for a period of time, especially in order to encourage a chemical reaction

Using incubate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "incubate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The hen incubated her eggs for three weeks.

• Example

  The company is incubating new technologies to bring to market.

• Example

  The bacteria were incubated at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours.

• Example

  She incubated the idea for months before presenting it to her team.

incubate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for incubate

• hatch
• breed
• develop
• cultivate
• nurture

Antonyms for incubate

• stifle
• inhibit

Phrases with incubate

• incubate a virus

  to allow a virus to grow and develop in a laboratory setting

  Example

  The scientists incubated the virus in a petri dish to study its effects.

• incubate a startup

  to provide support and resources to a new business in order to help it grow and succeed

  Example

  The tech incubator provided funding and mentorship to help the startup get off the ground.

• incubate an idea

  to spend time developing and refining an idea before putting it into action

  Example

  He spent months incubating the idea for a new app before pitching it to investors.

Origins of incubate

from Latin 'incubare', meaning 'to lie upon'

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Summary: incubate in Brief

To 'incubate' [ˈɪŋkjʊbeɪt] means to keep eggs warm until they hatch, to develop and grow, or to maintain something at a constant temperature. It can refer to hatching eggs, growing a business, or nurturing an idea. Examples include 'The company is incubating new technologies to bring to market,' and 'She incubated the idea for months before presenting it to her team.'