incubator

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incubator

A farmer checks the eggs in the incubator.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A device for maintaining controlled environmental conditions: An "incubator" is an apparatus, typically a box or enclosed chamber, designed to maintain a constant, optimal temperature and often humidity. It is used for hatching eggs or for the care of premature infants.
    • A supportive environment for development: In a broader, metaphorical sense, an "incubator" can refer to any environment, organization, or program designed to nurture the development of new ideas, businesses, or projects.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The hospital's neonatal unit has several incubators for premature babies.
    • The farmer placed the fertilized chicken eggs in the incubator.
    • The university's business incubator helped launch dozens of successful startups.
Advanced Usage

  • "Business incubator": An organization that helps new and startup companies to develop by providing services such as management training, office space, and funding.

    • She developed her tech idea within a business incubator before seeking venture capital.

  • "To be in an incubator": To be in a protected, nurturing environment for growth.

    • The new policy is still in the incubator and won't be announced for several months.
Variants and Related Words

  • Incubate (verb): To maintain (eggs, embryos, bacteria, etc.) under conditions favorable for development or growth. Also used metaphorically for ideas or plans.

    • The birds incubate their eggs.
    • We need to incubate this concept a bit longer.

  • Incubation (noun): The process of incubating eggs, cells, or ideas.

    • The incubation period for the virus is 7-14 days.
Synonyms
  • Brooder: A device or person that broods eggs (specifically for eggs/birds).
  • Hatchery: A place for hatching eggs, especially fish or poultry.
  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): The hospital department where infant incubators are used.
Related Phrases
  • "Incubator program": A structured program designed to foster the development of new ventures or projects.
    • He was accepted into a prestigious technology incubator program.
Related Idioms
  • "A hotbed of innovation": While not using the word "incubator," this idiom conveys a similar metaphorical meaning of an environment that fosters rapid development.
    • The city's downtown has become a hotbed of innovation for green technology.
incubator

A farmer checks the eggs in the incubator.

Noun
  1. apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants

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