incubate
Definitions
To keep eggs warm, especially by sitting on them, until they hatch.
孵（蛋），孵化。
To develop or nurture an idea, plan, or project gradually.
（逐渐）培育，酝酿（想法、计划）。
(Of a disease) to develop in the body without symptoms before becoming active.
（疾病）潜伏（发病前在体内发展）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (upon) + cub (lie) + -ate (verb) = to lie upon. The literal image is a hen sitting on her eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. The same picture of warm, patient development extends to ideas (incubate a plan) and diseases (an illness incubates before symptoms appear).
Root cub still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
The link from 'lying on eggs' to 'developing an idea' is the shared image of patient warmth: something fragile is kept protected while it slowly matures. That's why an idea, a startup, and even a virus can all 'incubate' — each sits quietly, developing, before it emerges into the world.
Common Collocations
- 1.incubate eggs孵蛋
- 2.incubate ideas酝酿想法
- 3.incubation period潜伏期
Example Sentences
- 1.
The hen incubated her eggs for three weeks.
- 2.
He let the business idea incubate for months before acting.
- 3.
The virus can incubate for up to two weeks before symptoms show.