in vitro fertilization

noun

: fertilization of an egg in a laboratory dish or test tube
specifically : fertilization by mixing sperm with eggs surgically removed from an ovary followed by uterine implantation of one or more of the resulting fertilized eggs
abbreviation IVF

Examples of in vitro fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her apology included her 7-year-old daughter, conceived through in vitro fertilization while out of custody on bail and facing murder charges. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2023 Tech firms began offering egg-freezing benefits in 2014, and today 54% of large companies cover in vitro fertilization, according to a 2022 survey of employer health plans by the management consulting firm Mercer. Anna Louie Sussman, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2023 But, for women who are still interested in having children, pregnancy is possible through in vitro fertilization, if the uterus is not removed. Zeina Mohammed — Boston Globe, STAT, 23 Feb. 2023 This also applies to those accessing other reproductive health care, including in vitro fertilization. Christine Fernando, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for in vitro fertilization 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in vitro fertilization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in vitro fertilization was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near in vitro fertilization

in vitro

in vitro fertilization

in vivo

Cite this Entry

“In vitro fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20vitro%20fertilization. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

in vitro fertilization

noun
: fertilization of an egg in a laboratory dish or test tube
specifically : mixture usually in a laboratory dish of sperm with eggs which have been obtained from an ovary that is followed by introduction of one or more of the resulting fertilized eggs into a female's uterus
abbreviation IVF

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