Incubation period
- Pronunciation
- /in-KOO-BAY-shun peh-REE-od/
- Category
- Biology
- Singular
- Incubation period
- Plural
- Incubation periods
Definition
The time between the entry of a pathogen into the host and the appearance of symptoms of infection.
Etymology
From Latin 'incubare', meaning 'to lie upon' or 'to brood.'
Example
The incubation period for the virus responsible for influenza is typically 1-4 days.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Often used to describe the period in which an infectious organism grows within a host before symptoms appear.