gestation

[je-stey-shuhn]

noun

1. the process, state, or period of gestating.

gestation

/ ˈdʒɛstətɪv, dʒɛˈsteɪ-, dʒɛˈsteɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the development of the embryo of a viviparous mammal, between conception and birth: about 266 days in humans, 624 days in elephants, and 63 days in cats

   2. ( as modifier )

      gestation period

2. the development of an idea or plan in the mind

3. the period of such a development

gestation

1. The period of time spent in the uterus between conception and birth. Gestation in humans is about nine months.

Other Word Forms

• gestational adjective
• gestative adjective
• gestatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gestation¹

1525–35; < Latin gestātiōn- (stem of gestātiō ), equivalent to gestāt ( us ) ( gestate ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of gestation¹

C16: from Latin gestātiō a bearing, from gestāre to bear, frequentative of gerere to carry

Example Sentences

It turns out the song had a troubled gestation as the pressure of following up Raye's Mercury Prize-nominated album 21st Century Blues hit home.

From BBC

Very young babies rely on antibodies acquired during gestation and herd immunity to protect them from measles, which killed roughly 400 children every year in the U.S. before the combined MMR vaccine’s introduction in 1971.

From Los Angeles Times

Birth certificates are not issued for babies born before 24 weeks gestation.

From BBC

This rebellion has been a long time in gestation.

From BBC

California sea lions typically give birth in June after an 11-month gestation.

From Los Angeles Times