conception

The definition of conception is the process of becoming pregnant or the origin of anything.

(noun)

  1. An example of conception is when the egg and sperm meet and form a life.
  2. An example of conception is the creation of a new marketing technique.

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See conception in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a conceiving or being conceived
  2. that which is conceived; specif., an embryo or fetus
  3. the beginning of some process, chain of events, etc.
  4. the act, process, or power of conceiving mentally; formulation of ideas, esp. of abstractions
  5. a mental impression; general notion; concept
  6. an original idea, design, plan, etc.

Origin: ME concepcioun < OFr conception < L conceptio, a comprehending, conception < conceptus: see conceive

Related Forms:

See conception in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. Formation of a viable zygote by the union of the male sperm and female ovum; fertilization.
    b. The entity formed by the union of the male sperm and female ovum; an embryo or zygote.
  2. a. The ability to form or understand mental concepts and abstractions.
    b. Something conceived in the mind; a concept, plan, design, idea, or thought. See Synonyms at idea.
  3. Archaic A beginning; a start.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English concepcioun

Origin: , from Old French conception

Origin: , from Latin conceptiō, conceptiōn-

Origin: , from conceptus; see concept

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Related Forms:

  • con·cepˈtion·al adjective
  • con·cepˈtive adjective
  • con·cepˈtive·ly adverb

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