in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

-ˈwē-

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

Examples of in vitro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2024, the two have publicly discussed wanting to welcome more children into their family via in vitro fertilization. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 17 June 2026

In May 2024, Kardashian Barker answered a few questions from fans on her Instagram Stories — including one who asked her about her in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

Advancements have also greatly extended the number of days human embryos can grow in vitro at the earliest stages of pregnancy. —Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

The Porters used in vitro fertilization to assist the pregnancies. —Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in vitro

• nitro

Kids Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō 

: 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

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

growth of cells in vitro

in vitro studies