induction period

(physical chemistry) A time of acceleration of a chemical reaction from zero to a maximum rate.

The lag period during which a fat or oil shows stability to oxidation because of its content of antioxidants, natural or added, which are oxidized preferentially. After this there is a sudden and large consumption of oxygen and the fat becomes rancid.

The interval between an initial injection of an antigen and the appearance of demonstrable antibodies in the blood.