in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

-ˈwē-

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

Examples of in vitro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Liu children were conceived via in vitro fertilization and born to surrogate mothers. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026

After many attempts to have children, their twin sons were born through in vitro fertilization in 1998. —Adrianne Murchison, AJC.com, 20 Jan. 2026

After experiencing fertility issues, Kelly underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) with Matthew's support. —Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026

This implantation used a lab matrix that was not designed for in vitro fertilization (IVF), but the study’s authors said the new footage of the reproduction stage could potentially inform better IVF techniques. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in vitro

• dinitro
• nitro

Kids Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

an egg fertilized in vitro

Etymology

Latin, literally, "in glass"

Medical Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

growth of cells in vitro

in vitro studies