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gestate

 - 3 dictionary results

ges⋅tate

[jes-teyt] verb, -tat⋅ed, -tat⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to carry in the womb during the period from conception to delivery.
2. to think of and develop (an idea, opinion, plan, etc.) slowly in the mind.
–verb (used without object)
3. to experience the process of gestating offspring.
4. to develop slowly.

Origin:
1865–70; < L gestātus ptp. of gestāre to carry about, carry in the womb, freq. of gerere to bear, perform
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To gestate
ges·tate   (jěs'tāt')   
v.   ges·tat·ed, ges·tat·ing, ges·tates

v.   tr.
  1. To carry within the uterus from conception to delivery.

  2. To conceive and develop in the mind.

v.   intr.
  1. To gestate offspring.

  2. To develop gradually.


[Back-formation from gestation.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ges·tate
Pronunciation: 'jes-"tAt
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: ges·tat·ed; ges·tat·ing
transitive senses
: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy gestate intransitive senses
: to be in the process of gestation
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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