gestation

[ je-stey-shuh n ]
/ dʒɛˈsteɪ ʃən /

noun

the process, state, or period of gestating.

Origin of gestation

1525–35; < Latin gestātiōn- (stem of gestātiō), equivalent to gestāt(us) (see gestate) + -iōn- -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM gestation

ges·ta·tion·al, ges·ta·tive [jes-tuh-tiv, je-stey-] /ˈdʒɛs tə tɪv, dʒɛˈsteɪ-/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for gestation

British Dictionary definitions for gestation

gestation
/ (dʒɛˈsteɪʃən) /

noun

  1. the development of the embryo of a viviparous mammal, between conception and birth: about 266 days in humans, 624 days in elephants, and 63 days in cats
  2. (as modifier)gestation period
the development of an idea or plan in the mind
the period of such a development

Derived forms of gestation

gestational or gestative (ˈdʒɛstətɪv, dʒɛˈsteɪ-), adjective gestatory, adjective

Word Origin for gestation

C16: from Latin gestātiō a bearing, from gestāre to bear, frequentative of gerere to carry

Medical definitions for gestation

gestation
[ jĕ-stāshən ]

n.

The period of fetal development from conception until birth; pregnancy.

Scientific definitions for gestation

gestation
[ jĕ-stāshən ]

The period of time spent in the uterus between conception and birth. Gestation in humans is about nine months.