incubation

(noun)

noun

1. maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development

Definition categories: act, aid, attention, care, tending

2. (pathology) the phase in the development of an infection between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time the first symptoms appear

Definition categories: time, phase, stage

3. sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

Similar word(s): brooding

Definition categories: process, birth, birthing, parturition