cryopreservation

noun

cryo·​pres·​er·​va·​tion ˌkrī-ō-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
: preservation (as of cells) by subjection to extremely low temperatures
cryopreserve
ˌkrī-ō-pri-ˈzərv How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
ˈkrī-ō-pri-ˌzərv
transitive verb

Examples of cryopreservation 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.
Another strategy could be ovarian cryopreservation. Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Oktay, the biologist studying ovarian tissue cryopreservation, told me the procedure is a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, and can be performed at the same time as another abdominal surgery like a C-section. Anna North, Vox, 6 May 2025 The tech might also have applications in fields such as cryopreservation and astrobiology. New Atlas, 5 May 2025 But each species seems to need its own cryopreservation protocol. Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryopreservation

Word History

Etymology

cryo- + preservation

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryopreservation was in 1965

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cryopreservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryopreservation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

cryopreservation

noun
cryo·​pres·​er·​va·​tion -ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
: preservation (as of sperm or eggs) by subjection to extremely low temperatures
cryopreserve transitive verb
cryopreserved; cryopreserving
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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