(ing‵kyŭ-bā'shŏn , in‵kyŭ-bā'shŏn)

[L. incubare, to lie down on]

1. The interval between exposure to infection and the appearance of the first symptom. SYN: incubation period; latent period (2).

   SEE: table - Incubation and Isolation Periods in Common Infections.

   incubational,

   (ing‵kyŭ-bā'shŏn-ăl , in‵kyŭ-bā'shŏn-ăl)

   adj.
2. In bacteriology, the period of culture development.
3. The development of a fertilized ovum.
4. The care of a premature infant in an incubator.