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Definition of gestation

gestation

/dʒɛˈsteɪʃən/
ges · ta · tion
Plural:gestations
•
Adjective:gestational
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gestation Lexical Profile

gestation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process or period of carrying and developing a fetus inside the womb between conception and birth in viviparous mammals.

Example

"African elephants have the longest gestation of any land mammal, lasting nearly twenty-two months."

2

The gradual development and maturation of a plan, idea, or creative project over time in the mind.

Example

"After five years of careful gestation, the director's ambitious documentary was finally ready for production."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gestation
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for gestation

• Nearby Words

gesneria
gestapo
gestate
gestation
gestational
gesticulate
gestural

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin gestatio ('a carrying or bearing'), from the verb gestare ('to carry about'), a frequentative of gerere ('to bear or carry').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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