incubation

US /ˌɪnkjəˈbeʃən, ˌɪŋ-/

UK /ˌɪŋkjuˈbeɪʃn/

B2

noun

  • Development in a particular environment
  • Keeping eggs warm until hatched

other

  • The period between infection and the appearance of symptoms of a disease.
  • The development of an idea, plan, etc.
  • The process of keeping something at the right temperature and under the right conditions so it can develop.