incubator
incubator Lexical Profile
incubator Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An organization, program, or collaborative workspace designed to accelerate the development and success of startup companies by providing support, resources, funding, and mentorship.
"After developing their initial software prototype, the founders joined a tech incubator in Silicon Valley to scale their business."
An enclosed medical apparatus providing a controlled environment, including specific temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels, for the care and protection of premature or unusually small infants.
"The premature baby was placed in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit to help regulate her body temperature."
A heated cabinet or apparatus used to artificially hatch eggs or cultivate microorganisms and cell cultures under strictly controlled environmental conditions.
"The microbiology students carefully placed their petri dishes into the laboratory incubator to encourage bacterial growth."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 19th century: from Latin incubator, from incubare 'to lie on' (from in- 'upon' + cubare 'to lie').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.