definition of
incubation

[1] #1 incubation n. maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development. wn

[2] #2 incubation n. (pathology) the phase in the development of an infection between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time the first symptoms appear. wn

[3] #3 incubation n. [brooding] sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body. wn