in·cu·ba·tion (ĭnˌkyə-bāˈshən, ĭngˌ-)

1. The act of incubating or the state of being incubated.
2. The maintenance of controlled environmental conditions for the purpose of favoring the growth or development of microbial or tissue cultures.
3. The maintenance of an infant, especially a premature infant, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration in order to provide optimal conditions for growth and development.
4. The development of an infection from the time the pathogen enters the body until signs or symptoms first appear.