The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

gestation

noun

/dʒɛˈsteɪʃn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of gestation

The process of carrying and developing an unborn offspring within the female uterus.
"The gestation period for elephants is around 22 months."

Detailed meaning of gestation

It is a critical period during which the fertilized egg undergoes a series of transformations and eventually develops into a fully-formed fetus. In humans, gestation typically lasts for around nine months, during which the developing fetus receives all the necessary nutrients and oxygen from the mother's bloodstream. The process is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, and any disruption to this delicate balance can result in complications for both the mother and the fetus. Gestation is a vital stage in the reproductive cycle of most mammals, including humans, and is necessary for the continuation of the species.

Example sentences containing gestation

1. Premature birth can occur if gestation is interrupted.
2. The gestation period for dogs varies depending on the breed.
3. Gestation is a critical period for the development of the nervous system.
4. The length of gestation for humans is approximately 40 weeks.
5. Folic acid is important for the healthy gestation of a fetus.
6. Gestation in mammals is supported by the placenta.

History and etymology of gestation

The noun 'gestation' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'gestatio,' which means 'a carrying' or 'a bearing.' This term, in turn, comes from the verb 'gestare,' which means 'to carry' or 'to bear.' 'Gestatio' was often used in the context of pregnancy, referring to the process of carrying and nurturing an unborn offspring within the female uterus. Over time, 'gestation' became a widely recognized term in English to describe this crucial period in the development of offspring in mammals, including humans. The etymology of 'gestation' underscores its historical connection to the act of carrying and nurturing new life, emphasizing the significance of this natural process in the animal kingdom.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun gestation:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of gestation

1. The health of the mother can impact gestation and fetal development.
2. Gestation is a complex process that involves multiple systems in the body.
3. The gestation period for some species of bats is only six weeks.
4. Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential during gestation.
5. Gestation can be monitored through ultrasound and other imaging technologies.
6. Human gestation typically lasts around nine months.
7. The gestation period varies among different animal species.
8. Elephant gestation can extend for nearly two years.
9. Gestation is a crucial phase in the reproductive cycle.
10. Prenatal care is essential during the gestation period.
11. The gestation process involves fetal development.
12. Gestation culminates in the birth of offspring.
13. Understanding gestation is vital for wildlife conservation.
14. Gestation requires proper nutrition for a healthy pregnancy.
15. The length of gestation varies in primates.
16. Short gestation periods are common in small mammals.
17. Gestation involves significant hormonal changes.
18. Monitoring fetal growth is part of prenatal gestation care.
19. The mother's health affects gestation outcomes.
20. Gestation is a topic of study in reproductive biology.
21. Prolonged gestation occurs in some marine mammals.
22. Gestation duration influences offspring size and survival.
23. Complications during gestation can impact maternal health.
24. Gestation is a remarkable biological process.
25. Studying gestation aids in improving maternal and child health.