First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
conception
noun con·cep·tion \kən-ˈsep-shən\
Definition of CONCEPTION
1
2
a : the capacity, function, or process of forming or understanding ideas or abstractions or their symbols b : a general idea : concept c : a complex product of abstract or reflective thinking d : the sum of a person's ideas and beliefs concerning something
3
: the originating of something in the mind
— con·cep·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— con·cep·tive \-ˈsep-tiv\ adjective
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Origin of CONCEPTION
Middle English concepcioun, from Anglo-French concepcion, from Latin conception-, conceptio, from concipere
Related to CONCEPTION
- Synonyms
- concept, generalization, generality, notion, stereotype
Synonym Discussion of CONCEPTION
idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan). idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed <innovative ideas> <my idea of paradise>. concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be <a society with no concept of private property>. conception is often interchangeable with concept ; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result <our changing conception of what constitutes art>. thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining <commit your thoughts to paper>. notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental <you have the oddest notions>. impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses <the first impression is of soaring height>.
Other Embryology Terms
Rhymes with CONCEPTION
Medical Dictionary
conception
noun con·cep·tion \kən-ˈsep-shən\
Medical Definition of CONCEPTION
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