1. the provision of warmth and protection for eggs that develop outside the female’s body. In birds, incubation can be undertaken by either or both parents and is essential for hatching of the eggs.

2. the gradual generation of a solution to a problem at a nonconscious or semiconscious level, often after an attempt at a conscious, deliberate solution has failed.

3. in microbiology, the growth of cultures in a controlled environment.

4. the maintenance of an artificial environment for a premature or hypoxic infant.

5. the asymptomatic stage of development of an infection. —incubate vb. —incubator n.