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

The Dartmouth was unable to confirm if a photograph of the work in situ is in fact now on view in the Nearburg Gallery. —Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Equipped with an array of cameras and sensors, these units provide in situ characterization, capturing real-time data that is fed directly back into the AI loop to drive the model’s continuous evolution. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026

With Ross Wilson now in situ as Mitchell’s successor, Newcastle have greater protection. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026

The current owner, who purchased the property in 2014, has preserved much of its original character, including the Versailles-style parquet flooring, elaborate moldings, and carved stone fireplaces that are still in situ. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 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