in situ

adverb or adjective in si·tu \ (ˌ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)tü , -ˈsi- , -(ˌ)tyü also -ˈsē- , -(ˌ)chü \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of in situ

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

Recent Examples of in situ from the Web

People who purchase the auction catalogue for $50 may see the objects in situ, as Frank Sinatra or the Queen of England might have, this Thursday and Friday.

— chris nichols, Los Angeles Magazine, "Step Inside Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Mansion in Bel-Air," 12 Apr. 2018
The food pictured here is perfectly in situ, showing hands, dogs, aprons, and of course, wine, alongside tempting dishes.

— michaela bechler, Vogue, "5 New Cookbooks That Will Transport You Around the World," 3 Apr. 2018
The in situ variety of cold air wedge lacks the presence of high pressure to the north, and is created only after precipitation begins to fall from widespread clouds east of the mountains.

— jeff halverson, Washington Post, "Your primer to understanding Mid-Atlantic cold air damming and ‘the wedge’," 7 Feb. 2018
As a woman diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ at age 36, my situation is even more complicated.

— bryna siegel finer, Philly.com, "Five years after breast cancer, a survivor feels cut off from the care that kept her safe," 10 Jan. 2018
That visit reminded me that the act of traveling to a place to experience a cultural totem or in situ is so much more valuable than experiencing it elsewhere.

— angelica aboulhosn, Smithsonian, "Come for the Bug Eating and Get a Lesson in Humanity from Andrew Zimmern," 19 June 2017
Despite being negative on the BRCA gene testing, the biopsy revealed pre cancerous cells [DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ)] within my right breast.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "RHOC Star Peggy Sulahian Chops 12 Inches Off Her Hair: 'I Feel Free and Liberated!'," 3 Oct. 2017
Ever since being diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) — a biomarker that puts one at high risk for developing invasive breast cancer — the retired public relations executive and part-time Boca Raton resident hasn’t had a choice.

— steve dorfman, miamiherald, "New device gives women a more comfortable mammogram," 31 Oct. 2017
That mammogram led to my diagnosis of extensive DCIS or ductal carcinoma in situ, in my left breast.

— athena jones, SELF, "I Thought 36 Was Way Too Early for a Mammogram. Then I Got Breast Cancer—Twice," 12 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'in situ.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of in situ

Latin, in position

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1740

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

in situ

adverb or adjective in si·tu \ (ˈ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)t(y)ü, -ˈsi- also -ˈsē-, -(ˌ)chü \

medical Definition of in situ

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

— see carcinoma in situ

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up in situ? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

in situ

Definition of in situ

Recent Examples of in situ from the Web

Origin and Etymology of in situ

Medical Dictionary

in situ

medical Definition of in situ

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

headlong

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix'?

'Altho' vs. 'Although'

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

in situ

Definition of in situ

Recent Examples of in situ from the Web

Origin and Etymology of in situ

Medical Dictionary

in situ

medical Definition of in situ

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes