incubation period
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English
Etymology
Since 1850s, from earlier period of incubation, attested in that now obsolete sense since late 1820s, which is a calque of French période d’incubation (attested since mid-1810s), itself a calque from Latin periodus incubationis (attested since 1770s).
Noun
incubation period (plural incubation periods)
- (epidemiology) The time elapsed between an exposure to a pathogenic organism, a chemical or radiation, and the appearance of signs and symptoms.
- 1854, Medical Notes on the Wreck of the San Francisco, by William P. Buel
- There is to all diseases a period of incubation; distinct and definite in the exanthematae, less so, but still well marked, in fevers and other diseases. This period of incubation sufficiently defines the period of the development of disease in emigrant vessels. I have been led into these remarks by the fact that, when the cholera manifested its existence on board the San Francisco, that vessel had been about seven days out of port, between five and six of them subsequent to the wreck. Thus, the incubation period corresponds almost exactly with that of the emigrant ships.
- 1854, Medical Notes on the Wreck of the San Francisco, by William P. Buel
Usage notes
- Not to be confused with incubation time, which has a different meaning.
Translations
time between exposure and symptoms
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