incubator

in·cu·ba·tor   (ĭn'kyə-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. Medicine An apparatus for maintaining an infant, especially a premature infant, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration. A place or situation that permits or encourages the formation and development, as of new ideas: a college that was an incubator of new approaches to sociology.

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.

incubator

An organization designed to assist start-up companies, generally with respect to providing knowledge and technical assistance.

Main Entry: in·cu·ba·tor
Pronunciation: 'i[ng]-ky&-"bAt-&r, 'in-
Function: noun
: one that incubates; especially : an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies

incubator in·cu·ba·tor (ĭn'kyə-bā'tər, ĭng'-)
n.

1. 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.

2. An apparatus for maintaining an infant, especially a premature infant, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration.

incubator

an insulated enclosure in which temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions can be regulated at levels optimal for growth, hatching, or reproduction. There are three principal kinds of incubators: poultry incubators, infant incubators, and bacteriological incubators.

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