Meaning & Definition of word "Gestation"

Gestation

/dʒɛsˈteɪʃən/

noun:

  • 1. The period of time during which an embryo develops in the uterus, particularly in mammals.
    • Example: The gestation period for humans is typically about nine months.
  • 2. The process of developing or being developed over a period of time.
    • Example: The gestation of her idea took several months before it became a reality.

Etymology

From Latin 'gestatio', from 'gestare' meaning 'to bear, carry'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

gestation period:

The time during which something is developed or formed, often used in a biological or metaphorical context.

to gestate an idea:

To develop or think through an idea over time.

Related Words

gestate:

To carry a fetus in the womb.

embryo:

An early stage of development for a multicellular organism.

fetus:

An unborn offspring in the process of development.

Slang Meanings of gestation

Meaning: The time taken for an idea to mature.

Example Sentence: It's a long gestation for this project, but it will be worth it.

Meaning: A metaphor for development or incubation of plans.

Example Sentence: We're still in the gestation phase of planning this event.