1. sits on eggs to keep them warm until they hatch
2. keeps something at a controlled temperature to help it develop or grow
Usage: often used in medical or scientific contexts
3. develops slowly over time
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The mother bird incubates her eggs for three weeks.
• The laboratory incubates bacterial cultures at 37 degrees Celsius.
• She incubates the samples in a special chamber.
• The penguin incubates the egg on its feet to keep it warm.
• The scientist incubates the cells to study their growth.
• He incubates new business ideas before presenting them.
• The company incubates startup projects in its innovation lab.