Incubate
/ˈɪŋ.kjʊ.beɪt/noun
To maintain something under conditions favorable for development, especially in reference to eggs or embryos.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, incubators were not just for eggs but were also linked to mystical practices of divine inspiration and prophecy.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*keu-
“to swell, to become, to lie upon”
Latin
Latin
incubare
“to lie upon, to brood over”
Old French
Old French
incubater
“to brood or hatch (eggs)”
Late Middle English
English
incubaten
“to maintain eggs for hatching”
Modern English
English
incubate
“to foster development under controlled conditions”