Meaning of the word incubator in English

What does incubator mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

incubator

US /ˈɪŋ.kjə.beɪ.t̬ɚ/
UK /ˈɪŋ.kjə.beɪ.t̬ɚ/
"incubator" picture

Noun

1.

an enclosed apparatus in which premature or unusually small babies are kept in controlled conditions

Example:
The premature baby was placed in an incubator immediately after birth.
Nurses carefully monitored the baby's condition in the incubator.
2.

an apparatus for hatching eggs or for cultivating microorganisms or cells

Example:
The lab uses a specialized incubator to grow bacterial cultures.
The farmer bought a new incubator to hatch his chicken eggs.
3.

a place or situation that encourages the development of something

Example:
The university's startup program acts as an incubator for new businesses.
The city is creating a tech incubator to foster innovation.
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