v. in·cu·bat·ed, in·cu·bat·ing, in·cu·bates v.tr. 1. To sit on (eggs) to provide heat, so as to promote embryonic development and the hatching of young; brood. 2. a. To maintain (eggs, organisms, or living tissue) at optimal environmental conditions for growth and development. b. To maintain (a chemical or biochemical system) under specific conditions in order to promote a particular reaction. 3. To be infected with (a pathogen) before manifesting signs or symptoms of an infectious disease. 4. To form or consider slowly and protectively, as if hatching: incubated the idea for a while, then announced it. v.intr. 1. To brood eggs. 2. To develop and hatch. 3. To undergo incubation. [Latin incubāre, incubāt-, to lie down on : in-, on; see IN-2 + cubāre, to lie down.] incu·ba′tive adj. |
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