gestation
The process or period of development of an embryo or fetus within the womb from conception to birth.
[C/U] Both
pl: gestations
This term carries a clinical and biological weight, evoking the image of internal growth, protection, and gradual maturation. It is used primarily in medical or zoological contexts to describe the physical timeline of pregnancy.
When used outside of biology, it describes a slow period of development for an idea, a plan, or a creative project. In this sense, it suggests a necessary phase of hidden growth where a concept is refined and matured before it is finally revealed to the world.
Countable when referring to a specific pregnancy cycle in an animal. Uncountable when referring to the general biological process of development.
Meanings
Examples
The average gestation period for a domestic cat is about 63 days.
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Related Words
pregnancyembryofetuswombuterusplacentabirthdeliveryconceptionfertilizationovulationzygoteblastocystamniotic fluidumbilical cordtrimesterprenatalpostnatalneonatalmammalviviparousoviparousincubationdevelopmentgrowthmaturationgestatepregnantexpectantgravidmidwifeobstetricsobstetriciangynecologylaborcontractiondilationmiscarriageabortionstillbirthoffspringprogenyembryogenesisorganogenesishormoneprogesteroneestrogenoxytocinultrasoundsonogrammorning sicknessgestational diabetespreeclampsiabirth canalc sectionepisiotomybreastfeedinglactationcolostrumnewborninfantquickeningnestingbreedingreproductiongametespermeggovumimplantationchorionallantoisyolk sac