incubate

US /ˈɪŋ.kjə.beɪt/
UK /ˈɪŋ.kjə.beɪt/
"incubate" picture
1.

to sit on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

:
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The hen will incubate her eggs for 21 days.
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Some birds use their body heat to incubate their eggs.
:
hatchbroodsit on
2.

to keep a disease or an idea in one's mind for a period of time before it develops or becomes apparent

:
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She had been incubating this idea for months.
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The virus can incubate for several days before symptoms appear.
:
developfosternurtureharborconceive
:
incubatorincubation period