kənˈsepshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English concepcioun, from Old French conception, from Latin conception-, conceptio, from conceptus (past participle of concipere to conceive, receive) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at conceive
1.
a. : act of becoming pregnant : formation of a viable zygote
fertilization results in the conception of a new entity capable of developing into a being like its parent
: state of being conceived; also : that which is conceived : embryo , fetus
b. archaic : beginning
2. : the capacity, function, or process of forming ideas or abstractions or of grasping the meaning of symbols representing such ideas or abstractions
the essential character of conception is that in it the universal is thought of as such — G.F.Stout
3. : an idea or general notion : concept:
a. : a product of abstract or reflective thinking (as an interpretation or design) : an ideal scheme or plan of action
his conception was on the grand scale but he lacked skill and determination needed to make it real
b. : the abstract, intellectual, or universal element in cognition as distinguished from the apprehension of concrete particulars in sense perception
c. obsolete : conceit
4. : the originating of something (as an idea or plan) in the mind
Synonyms: see idea