1. An abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
   "The conception of justice is central to many legal systems";
   - concept, construct
    
2. The creation of something in the mind
   "The conception of the character came to him in a dream";
   - invention, innovation, excogitation, design, fiction
    
3. The act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
   "The couple celebrated the conception of their first child"
    
4. The event that occurred at the beginning of something
   "from its conception the plan was doomed to failure";
   - creation

Derived forms: conceptions

Type of: beginning, creative thinking, creativeness, creativity, idea, sex, sex activity, sexual activity, sexual practice, thought

Antonym: misconception

Encyclopedia: Conception, Missouri