incept

1 of 2

verb

in·​cept
ə̇nˈsept
-ed/-ing/-s

transitive verb

1
archaic : begin, commence, undertake
2
[influenced in meaning by Latin capere to take] : to take in: such as
a
: ingest
phagocytes incepting foreign particles
b
: to receive as a member

intransitive verb

: to obtain an advanced degree and therewith the right to teach or practice a learned profession
now used only at Cambridge University

incept

2 of 2

noun

in·​cept
ˈinˌsept
plural incepts
: anlage

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin inceptus, past participle of incipere

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Cite this Entry

“Incept.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incept. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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