gestation

 
Pronunciation: /dʒɛˈsteɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the process or period of developing inside the womb between conception and birth.
  • the development of something over a period of time: a thorough and painstaking work which was a long time in gestation

Derivatives

gestational

adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting an excursion on horseback, in a carriage, etc., considered as exercise): from Latin gestatio(n-), from gestare 'carry, carry in the womb', frequentative of gerere 'carry'