gestation
Meaning: The process or period of developing inside the womb between conception and birth; also the development of a plan or idea over time.
Gestation is used both literally for pregnancy in mammals and figuratively for the development of ideas, projects, or creative works. The human gestation period is approximately forty weeks. The figurative use is common in media and creative contexts — 'the novel was in gestation for years.' It collocates with 'period,' 'long,' 'weeks,' and 'process.'
Examples
- The gestation period for an African elephant is approximately twenty-two months, the longest of any land mammal. 非洲象的妊娠期约为二十二个月,是所有陆地哺乳动物中最长的。El período de gestación del elefante africano es de aproximadamente veintidós meses, el más largo de todos los mamíferos terrestres.アフリカゾウの妊娠期間は約22か月で、陸上哺乳類の中で最も長い。아프리카코끼리의 임신 기간은 약 22개월로, 육상 포유류 중 가장 길다.
- The policy had been in gestation for several years before it was finally announced. 这项政策经过了数年的酝酿,才最终宣布。La política llevaba varios años en gestación antes de anunciarse finalmente.その政策は最終的に発表されるまで数年間にわたって温められていた。그 정책은 최종 발표되기까지 수년간 구상 중이었다.
- A full-term human gestation lasts approximately forty weeks from the last menstrual period. 人类的足月妊娠从最后一次月经算起约持续四十周。Una gestación humana a término dura aproximadamente cuarenta semanas desde la última menstruación.ヒトの満期妊娠は最後の月経から約40週間続く。인간의 만삭 임신은 마지막 월경일로부터 약 40주 동안 지속된다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin gestatio (a carrying), from gestare (to carry, bear), frequentative of gerere (to carry, conduct). Related to 'gesture' and 'digest.'
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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