The term "incarnation" refers to the embodiment of a deity or spirit in a physical form, particularly in the context of religion. It often signifies the manifestation of an abstract concept or quality in a tangible form. For instance, in Christianity, the word is used to describe the belief that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God who took on human form. In a broader sense, it can also mean the realization or expression of an idea or essential quality in a concrete way.
The word "incarnation" comes from the Latin roots "in-" meaning "into" and "caro," "carnis," meaning "flesh." Thus, it literally means "to be made flesh" or "to take on a fleshly form." This term has been used historically in both religious and philosophical contexts.