in situ

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

|Updated on: 11 Jun 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

For those diagnosed with certain low-risk cancers, such as prostate, thyroid and an early form of breast cancer known an ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, aggressive treatment may reduce quality of life while adding no longevity benefit.

— steven petrow, Washington Post, "Watching but not treating cancer can be hard. Sometimes it’s the right approach.," 20 May 2018
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

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.