incubator

[ in-kyuh-bey-ter, ing- ]
/ ˈɪn kyəˌbeɪ tər, ˈɪŋ- /

noun

an apparatus in which eggs are hatched artificially.
an enclosed apparatus in which prematurely born infants are kept in controlled conditions, as of temperature, for protection and care.
an apparatus in which media inoculated with microorganisms are cultivated at a constant temperature.
a person or thing that incubates.

Origin of incubator

1855–60; < Late Latin: literally, one who lies in or upon (something). See incubate, -tor

Example sentences from the Web for incubator

British Dictionary definitions for incubator

incubator
/ (ˈɪnkjʊˌbeɪtə) /

noun

med an enclosed transparent boxlike apparatus for housing prematurely born babies under optimum conditions until they are strong enough to survive in the normal environment
a container kept at a constant temperature in which birds' eggs can be artificially hatched or bacterial cultures grown
a person, animal, or thing that incubates
a commercial property, divided into small work units, which provides equipment and support to new businesses

Medical definitions for incubator

incubator
[ ĭnkyə-bā′tər, ĭng- ]

n.

An apparatus in which environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can be controlled, often used for growing bacterial cultures, hatching eggs artificially, or providing suitable conditions for a chemical or biological reaction.
An apparatus for maintaining an infant, especially a premature infant, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration.

Scientific definitions for incubator

incubator
[ ĭnkyə-bā′tər ]

An apparatus in which environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can be controlled, often used for growing bacterial cultures, hatching eggs artificially, or providing suitable conditions for a chemical or biological reaction.
An apparatus for maintaining an infant, especially one that is ill or born before the usual gestation period, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration.

Cultural definitions for incubator

incubator

A specialized crib used in caring for infants, in which the temperature and oxygen content of the air can be controlled. Often, babies who are born prematurely will be placed in an incubator until they have become strong enough to be housed in a regular crib.