in·cip·i·ent \(ˈ)in|sipēənt, ənˈs-\adjective Etymology: Latin incipient-, incipiens, present participle of incipere to begin, from in- in- (II) + -cipere (from capere to take) — more at heave : beginning to be or become apparent : commencing, initial < the incipient stage of a fever > < incipient light of day > < incipient civil disorders > • in·cip·i·ent·lyadverb