English-English Dictionary

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.tər/
"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.
Synonym:
couveuse brooder
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.
Synonym:
hatcher cultivator
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.
Synonym:
catalyst breeding ground nursery
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Related Word:
incubate incubation incubation period