in·cu·ba·tion 
(ĭn′kyə-bāshən, ĭng′-)
(ĭn′kyə-bāshən, ĭng′-)n.
1.
a. The act of incubating.
b. The state of being incubated.
2. Medicine The development of an infection from the time the pathogen enters the body until signs or symptoms first appear.
3. Medicine The maintenance of an infant, especially a premature infant, in an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration in order to provide optimal conditions for growth and development.
in′cu·bation·al adj.