gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2021, the state had passed a law known as S.B. 8, banning nearly all abortions after electrical activity is detected in fetal cells, which typically happens around the sixth week of gestation. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 With a gestation period of only about 20 days, mice can reproduce incredibly quickly, and many of the females arrived already pregnant. Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2024 Some babies can survive with medical help after 21 weeks of gestation. Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024 For instance, even among the cohort born into a world without rationing, people who spent at least part of their gestation period under restrictions had a 15% lower lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gestation 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestation was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near gestation

Cite this Entry

“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

gestation

noun
ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun
ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy
2
gestational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gestation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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