incubator
🇺🇸 /ˈɪŋkjəˌbeɪtɜr/
📖 Definitions
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noun
An apparatus or device used to maintain optimal environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen) for the hatching of eggs or the development of premature or sick infants.; An organization or program that provides resources, mentorship, funding, and support to early-stage startups and entrepreneurs to help them develop their businesses.; A controlled environment or apparatus used in laboratories for cultivating microorganisms, cells, or tissues at a specific temperature and conditions.; A place, situation, or environment that fosters the development or growth of something, such as ideas, movements, or talent.; A heated enclosure or apparatus used in poultry farming for the artificial hatching of eggs.
🔗 Details
Word forms
countable
Plural: incubators
Collocations
business incubatorstartup incubatorneonatal incubatoregg incubatortechnology incubator
Derivatives
incubateincubationincubativeincubatory
Synonyms
brooderhatcheracceleratornursery
Commonly confused
accelerator
EN: 'Accelerator' typically refers to a program for more mature startups seeking rapid growth, while 'incubator' supports earlier-stage ventures from idea to launch.
incubate
EN: 'Incubate' is the verb form meaning to keep under conditions favorable for development; 'incubator' is the noun referring to the device or program that does this.
Spelling tips
EN: Remember the ending is '-ator' (as in 'creator', 'generator'), not '-ater' or '-itor'.
💬 Examples
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The premature baby was placed in an incubator to help regulate her body temperature.
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The tech startup joined a well-known incubator in Silicon Valley to gain access to investors and experienced mentors.
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The petri dishes were placed in the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius to promote bacterial growth.
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The university's liberal arts program has long been an incubator for creative thinkers and social activists.
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The farmer set up an incubator in the barn to hatch the chicken eggs without relying on brooding hens.