The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word INCUBATOR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
N
C
U
B
A
T
O
R
More clues leading to the result INCUBATOR
- Warming device, unit with cobra snakes
- Frantic rub, action that's designed to keep things warm
- Broody hen at home getting youngster area to run
- In communist land, conservative almost a sitting duck, perhaps
- Supporter of new ventures in communist country rejected corruption
- Device to keep the clutch from failing
- Where Communists alone are elected to run neonatal facility
- It can help one get a start in life
- Where Guantanamo’s endlessly wrong — it holds a baby
- Current trainee returned schedule for hospital device
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Warming device" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case warming device = incubator.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INCUBATOR mean?
INCUBATOR noun- Any apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a reaction.
- An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a newborn baby.
- An apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for the hatching of eggs.
- A place to maintain the culturing of bacteria at a steady temperature.
- A support programme for the development of entrepreneurial companies.