incubator
An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, or CO2 concentration) suitable for the growth of microorganisms, cell cultures, or the hatching of eggs.
Incubators create a controlled, stable environment, which is crucial for sensitive biological processes that require specific conditions.
Word relationships
- brooder: A brooder is specifically for keeping young birds warm; an incubator is broader, for cultures, eggs, or babies.
- culture chamber: A more technical term, often referring to a specific type of incubator for cell or tissue cultures.
Word family
- incubate (verb): To sit on eggs to hatch them; to keep (cells, bacteria, etc.) at a suitable temperature for development.
- incubation (noun): The process of incubating.
Collocations
- laboratory incubator
- CO2 incubator
- place in an incubator
- remove from incubator
Idioms & expressions
- incubator program (figurative: a program supporting new businesses or ideas)
Example sentences
- "The petri dishes containing bacterial cultures were placed in the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours." Microbiology lab
- "Premature babies are often kept in an incubator to provide a stable and sterile environment, mimicking the conditions of the womb." Neonatal care
Memory hook
Think of 'IN-CUBE' (inside a box) and 'BATOR' (like 'hatch'). It's a box where things hatch or grow. ING-kyoo-bay-ter: controlled growth box
When not to use
Do not use 'incubator' for a general storage container; it specifically implies a device that actively maintains specific environmental conditions.
Fun facts
- The first modern incubators for premature infants were developed in the late 19th century.
- In business, an 'incubator' refers to an organization that helps new startups develop by providing resources and support.
Related words
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