'incubate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incubare,' where 'in-' meant 'in' and 'cubare' meant 'to lie down.'

'incubare' transformed into the French word 'incuber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incubate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to lie down on something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to keep something warm for development.'