Incubative

in·cu·bate  (nky-bt, ng-)

v. in·cu·bat·ed, in·cu·bat·ing, in·cu·bates

v.tr.

1. To sit on (eggs) to provide heat, so as to promote embryonic development and the hatching of young; brood.

2.

a. To maintain (eggs, organisms, or living tissue) at optimal environmental conditions for growth and development.

b. To maintain (a chemical or biochemical system) under specific conditions in order to promote a particular reaction.

3. To form or consider slowly and protectively, as if hatching: incubated the idea for a while, then announced it.

v.intr.

1. To brood eggs.

2. To develop and hatch.

3. To undergo incubation.

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[Latin incubre, incubt-, to lie down on : in-, on; see in-² + cubre, to lie down.]

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incu·bative adj.