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

Photo: James Merrell How to test paint colors How color behaves in relation to other colors and in different light conditions is extremely complex, and nothing beats seeing them in situ, Studholme says. —Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025

Sometimes the internal organs are inspected in situ, but more typically they are removed, washed down, and dissected on a water table. —Samuel Ashworth, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025

Researchers labeled the statue’s pieces in situ before transporting them to a laboratory for further analysis. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

Their startup is developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that will automate the assaying process for minerals in situ (on site). —Greg Autry, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

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