Definition of conception
1a(1)
: the process of becoming pregnant involving fertilization or implantation or both
b
: beginning
"Joy had the like conception in our eyes … "— William Shakespeare
2a
: the capacity, function, or process of forming or understanding ideas or abstractions or their symbols
He directed the project from conception to completion.
b
: a general idea : concept
We get the conception of an animal … by comparing different animals …— John Stuart Mill
c
: a complex product of abstract or reflective thinking
the philosopher's conception of reality
d
: the sum of a person's ideas and beliefs concerning something
his conception of the American dream
3
: the originating of something in the mind
an artist's conception of how the city would look a hundred years from now
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for conception
The first known use of conception was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century