gestation
UK/dʒe'steɪʃ(ə)n/US/dʒes'teiʃәn/
C2
Definitions
n.
The process of carrying young in the womb; pregnancy
妊娠，怀孕期
n.
The gradual development of a plan or idea before it takes shape
（计划、想法的）酝酿，孕育
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedgest (carry, bear) + -ation (process) = the process of the body carrying a pregnancy. The figurative sense follows naturally: an idea in gestation is being 'carried' and quietly growing before it's born into the world.
Root gest still carries 36 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.gestation period妊娠期
- 2.long gestation长期酝酿
- 3.in gestation在酝酿中
Example Sentences
- 1.
The gestation period for elephants is nearly two years.
- 2.
The project had a long gestation before it finally launched.