View synonyms for

incubator

[in-kyuh-bey-ter, ing-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an apparatus in which eggs are hatched artificially.
an enclosed apparatus in which prematurely born infants are kept in controlled conditions, as of temperature, for protection and care.
an apparatus in which media inoculated with microorganisms are cultivated at a constant temperature.
a person or thing that incubates.
Business.��an enterprise that provides support services to entrepreneurs refining startup concepts, in a continuing and open-ended relationship that includes access to mentoring, networking, or legal assistance, often in a collaborative workspace.

incubator

/ ˈɪ�԰��ʊˌ��ɪ��ə /

noun

med an enclosed transparent boxlike apparatus for housing prematurely born babies under optimum conditions until they are strong enough to survive in the normal environment
a container kept at a constant temperature in which birds' eggs can be artificially hatched or bacterial cultures grown
a person, animal, or thing that incubates
a commercial property, divided into small work units, which provides equipment and support to new businesses

incubator

An apparatus in which environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can be controlled, often used for growing bacterial cultures, hatching eggs artificially, or providing suitable conditions for a chemical or biological reaction.
An apparatus for maintaining an infant, especially one that is ill or born before the usual gestation period, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration.

incubator

A specialized crib used in caring for infants, in which the temperature and oxygen content of the air can be controlled. Often, babies who are born prematurely will be placed in an incubator until they have become strong enough to be housed in a regular crib.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of incubator¹

First recorded in 1855–60; from Late Latin: literally, “one who lies in or upon (something); one who sleeps in a temple or shrine”; incubate, -tor

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Rashd, who studied computer science at university, got a spot in a government-backed incubator and accelerator program called Saudi Game Champions.

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"The two destroyed incubators - which cost over $10,000 - were filled with liquid nitrogen that preserved the samples," he says.

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Many serve as incubators, creating spaces for artists and art making that might otherwise be overlooked.

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According to the organization's preliminary estimates last March, programming and IT company HQs were almost totally destroyed in the war, all technology centers were closed, and six business incubators were damaged.

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By the end of the day, the hashtag #hypehouse was trending, and the mansion quickly became an incubator for viral videos.

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incubation period incubous

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