In`cu*ba"tion (?), n. [L. incubatio: cf. F. incubation.]
1.
A sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young; a brooding on, or keeping warm, (eggs) to develop the life within, by any process.
Ray.
2. Med.
The development of a disease from its causes, or its period of incubation. (See below.)
3.
A sleeping in a consecrated place for the purpose of dreaming oracular dreams.
Tylor.
Period of incubation, ∨ Stage of incubation Med., the period which elapses between exposure to the causes of a disease and the attack resulting from it; the time of development of the supposed germs or spores.<-- for infectious diseases -->
© Webster 1913.