Incubator

Definition of Incubator

In´cu`ba`tor

n.	1.	That which incubates, especially, an apparatus by means of which eggs are hatched by artificial heat.
	2.	An apparatus containing an enclosed chamber, used for the cultivation of microörganisms or tissue cultures by maintaining a suitable temperature and atmospheric composition. Some incubators have no provision for maintaining a special atmosphere, while in others, especially for anaerobic organisms and tissue culture, the moisture level and composition of the gases are also controlled.
	3.	(Med.) An apparatus consisting of enclosed chamber, for maintaining prematurely born babies in a favorable environment until able to thrive under normal conditions. The temperature and level of oxygen in the atmosphere may be controlled.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z