Incubates

Incubates is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb incubate. The verb means to maintain something in conditions that promote its development, growth, or hatching. The noun form is incubation, which refers to the process or period during which development occurs.

In biology and agriculture, incubation describes caring for eggs or organisms while they develop. Eggs may be incubated in natural nests or in artificial incubators that regulate temperature, humidity, and turning. In microbial and cellular laboratories, incubation involves maintaining cultures under defined environmental conditions to promote growth or activity. The concept also applies in horticulture and animal husbandry, where seeds, embryos, or eggs are incubated to achieve successful germination or hatching.

In medicine and epidemiology, the incubation period is the time between exposure to an infectious agent and the onset of symptoms. This interval varies by pathogen and host factors, and understanding it aids in diagnosis and public health responses. In laboratory and diagnostic contexts, samples may be incubated prior to testing to permit reactions or growth.

In business and technology, an incubator is an organization that incubates startups by providing workspace, mentorship, and resources. To incubate a project or company means to nurture its early development toward viability or launch.

Etymology and related terms: incubate derives from Latin incubare, to lie upon or brood; related terms include incubator and incubation. See also hatchery, culture, and accelerator for adjacent concepts.