Collins English-English Dictionary

gestation [ʤε'steɪʃən]

1. 1. n the development of the embryo of a viviparous mammal, between conception and birth: about 266 days in humans, 624 days in elephants, and 63 days in cats

2. 2. n (as modifier)

   gestation period

3. 3. n the development of an idea or plan in the mind

4. 4. n the period of such a development

5. 5. n [Etymology] C16: from Latin gestatio a bearing, from gestare to bear, frequentative of gerere to carry