Incubation

Definition:

(n.) A sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching young; a brooding on, or keeping warm, (eggs) to develop the life within, by any process.
(n.) The development of a disease from its causes, or its period of incubation. (See below.)
(n.) A sleeping in a consecrated place for the purpose of dreaming oracular dreams.

Compare incubation with other words:

incubation vs. intubation