Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Conception has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
"The scientist's new conception of gravity emerged after years of observing planetary movements."
the act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
"The doctor explained that conception occurs when a sperm successfully fertilizes an egg during intercourse."
the event that occurred at the beginning of something
"from its creation the plan was doomed to failure"
the creation of something in the mind
"The artist had a vivid conception of her new painting before she even picked up a brush."
The act of conceiving.
"The doctor confirmed that her conception occurred just two days after she started taking vitamins."
The word conception comes from the Old French conception, which was borrowed into Middle English from Latin. It originally meant "a comprehending" or "collection," but eventually traveled into English with its modern meaning of becoming pregnant.