Gestate

usgb/ˈdʒesteɪt/
verb

To carry an embryo or fetus inside the womb from conception to birth.

The mother will gestate her baby for approximately nine months before giving birth.
Visual representation of "gestate" - To carry an embryo or fetus inside the womb from conception to birth.

Often appears as...

  • gestate a baby
  • gestate a fetus

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "gestate"
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Biological Process

Used to describe the natural development of a baby inside a living being.

Illustration for Biological Process
Kangaroos gestate their young for about 33 days.
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Not for Objects

Don't use 'gestate' for inanimate objects, it's only for living embryos or fetuses.

Illustration for Not for Objects
Incorrect: The machine gestated the product. Correct: The machine produced the product.
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Literal Usage

It's typically used in a factual, scientific context, not metaphorically.

Illustration for Literal Usage
Scientists studied how long sharks gestate their offspring.
Visual representation of the word "Gestate"

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