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Definition of gestate

gestate

/ˈdʒɛs.teɪt/
ges · tate
Adverb:gestationally
•
Adjective:gestational
•
Past Simple:gestated
•
Past Participle:gestated
•
Present Participle:gestating
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gestate Lexical Profile

gestate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To carry a fetus in the womb from conception to birth, or to undergo the process of fetal development prior to birth.

Example

"Elephants gestate their young for nearly twenty-two months, the longest period of any land mammal."

2

To conceive and gradually develop an idea, plan, or creative work in the mind over time.

Example

"The novelist allowed the plot to gestate for several years before writing the opening chapter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gestate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gestate

• Rhymes for gestate

• Nearby Words

gerygone
gesneria
gestapo
gestate
gestation
gestational
gesticulate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin gestatus, the past participle of gestare ('to carry about' or 'to bear'), a frequentative of gerere ('to carry' or 'to wage').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gestate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gestate
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