gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus (see uterus sense 1) : pregnancy

2

: conception (see conception sense 3) and development especially in the mind

gestational

je-ˈstā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• family way
• gravidity
• pregnancy

Examples of gestation in a Sentence

the gestation of new ideas

The book has been in gestation for a long time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Within another day or two the embryo implants itself in the uterine lining and is left to continue gestation normally. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024

The telltale sign of La Niña's gestation is the spear of green that elongates and widens toward the west from the coast of South America. —Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2024

Those that build placentas, like humans, were found to have some of the highest indirect costs of gestation, at around 96%. —Kristina Behr, Parents, 31 May 2024

California is one of 11 states that restrict or ban gestation crates for mother pigs. —Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin gestation-, gestatio, from gestare to bear, frequentative of gerere to bear

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy

2

: gestation period

gestational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective