Definition of "incubation" in English

noun

1. Sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young; a brooding on, or keeping warm, to develop the life within, by any process.

2. (pathology) The development of a disease from its causes, or the period of such development.

3. (chemistry) A period of little reaction which is followed by more rapid reaction.

4. (psychology) One of the four proposed stages of creativity (preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification): the unconscious recombination of thought elements that were stimulated through conscious work at one point in time, resulting in novel ideas at a later point.

5. Sleeping in a temple or other holy place in order to have oracular dreams or to receive healing.