in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu (ˌ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)tü 

-ˈsi-, 

-(ˌ)tyü 

also -ˈsē-, 

-(ˌ)chü 

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

Examples of in situ in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Played in sequence, tracks that are gems in their own right become nearly anonymous in situ. — Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026

Many lie solemnly in situ among the grass, while others now stand, having been hauled up into a standing position by archeologists in the ‘70s. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

While Redon made decorative panels for other sites in France, the panels at Fontfroide are the only ones that still remain in situ in their original location, according to d’Andoque de Sériège. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Sandy Springs resident Stacey Hughes, 53, has participated in the race nearly every year since being diagnosed with stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ in 2017. — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, in position

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in situ

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu (ˈ)in-ˈsī-t(y)ü 

-ˈsi-

: in the natural or original position

the cancer cells remained in situ

Etymology

Latin, "in position"

Medical Definition

in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu

(ˈ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)t(y)ü, -ˈsi- also -ˈsē-, -(ˌ)chü

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

see carcinoma in situ