in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce in vitro (audio) -ˈvi- How to pronounce in vitro (audio)
-ˈwē-
: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

Examples of in vitro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An aid-worker for LGBTQ+ youth on a ticking-clock quest to bear children of her own, Lee has endured two wrenching rounds of in vitro fertilization and, just as painfully, her partner’s ambivalence about having kids at all. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 At first glance, President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) may appear to be a victory for couples struggling to conceive. John Oertle, National Review, 6 Apr. 2025 In addition to the law firm’s other work, Rader handles cases related to reproductive negligence (embryo destruction) and unregulated behavior in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector. Andrew Rader, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2025 And that the bio-computer has in vitro living neurons and in silico artificial neurons. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in vitro

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in vitro was circa 1894

Cite this Entry

“In vitro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20vitro. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective
in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce in vitro (audio)
: outside the living body and in an artificial environment
an egg fertilized in vitro
Etymology

Latin, literally, "in glass"

Medical Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective
: outside the living body and in an artificial environment
growth of cells in vitro
in vitro studies
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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