1. In biology:
* To keep eggs warm at a suitable temperature for hatching. This is the most common meaning of "incubate" and refers to the process of a bird or reptile sitting on its eggs to keep them warm and allow the embryos to develop.
* To cultivate or develop a microorganism or cell in a controlled environment. For example, a scientist might incubate bacteria in a petri dish at a specific temperature.
2. In general usage:
* To develop or grow slowly. This meaning is often used metaphorically to describe ideas or plans that are being nurtured and developed. For example, "She incubated her business idea for months before taking the leap."
* To support or encourage the development of something. This meaning is similar to the previous one, but it can also refer to a more active process of helping something grow. For example, "The government incubated the new technology sector with tax breaks and subsidies."
The specific meaning of "incubated" will be clear from the context in which it is used.