incubate

[ˈɪŋkjʊbeɪt]

incubate Definition

  • 1to keep eggs warm, especially until they hatch
  • 2to develop and grow, or help someone or something to do this
  • 3to 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

Antonyms for incubate

Phrases with incubate

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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'

📌

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.'