incubation
IN-kyoo-BAY-shun
/ˌɪŋkjʊˈbeɪʃən/
The period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.
In food science, it can also refer to the time allowed for bacteria to grow in a controlled environment (like a lab).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'incubare', meaning 'to lie upon'. Originally, it referred to a bird sitting on eggs to hatch them; in food science, it refers to the time bacteria 'sit' and grow before causing illness.
Word relationships
- gestation: Gestation refers to the development of an embryo; incubation refers to the development of an infection or bacteria.
Commonly confused with
- outbreak: Incubation is the hidden phase; an outbreak is the visible spread.
Word family
- incubate (verb): To maintain at a favorable temperature and in other good conditions for development.
- incubator (noun): An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions for growth.
Collocations
- incubation period
- incubation time
- average incubation
- prolonged incubation
Example sentences
- "The incubation period for salmonella can range from six hours to six days." Epidemiology report
- "After the samples were taken, they were placed in an oven for a twenty-four-hour incubation." Laboratory procedure
Memory hook
The germs are 'in' the 'cube' (body) 'waiting' to grow. The waiting game.
When not to use
Do not use for the duration of the illness itself; only the 'waiting period' before it starts.
Fun facts
- The term 'incubation' is also used in business to describe the early development of a startup company.
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