incubator
|in-cu-ba-tor|
🇺🇸
/ˈɪŋkjəˌbeɪtər/
🇬🇧
/ˈɪŋkjʊˌbeɪtə/
nurturing environment
Etymology
'incubator' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incubare,' where 'in-' meant 'on' and 'cubare' meant 'to lie down.'
'incubare' transformed into the French word 'incubateur,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incubator' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to lie on something to hatch it,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a device or environment for nurturing growth.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a newborn, especially a premature baby.
The premature baby was placed in an incubator to ensure stable temperature and humidity.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an environment that promotes the growth or development of something, especially a business or idea.
The startup joined a business incubator to accelerate its growth.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45