in vitro fertilization

noun

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of in vitro fertilization

: 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

Recent Examples of in vitro fertilization from the Web

For the first time, scientists have used in vitro fertilization to create viable rhino embryos.

— ben guarino, Washington Post, "‘Beautiful’ embryos created from near-extinct rhinoceros sperm," 4 July 2018
In the New Orleans case, the man's now ex-girlfriend conceived a baby using donor sperm and in vitro fertilization.

— chelsea brasted, NOLA.com, "Families are complicated. Louisiana law should catch up," 14 Mar. 2018
One avenue is in vitro fertilization with northern white rhino eggs and sperm.

— New York Times, "Rhino Embryos Made in Lab to Save Nearly Extinct Subspecies," 4 July 2018
Some groups have said in vitro fertilization is being developed too late to save the northern white rhino, whose natural habitat in Chad, Sudan, Uganda, Congo and Central African Republic has been ravaged by conflicts in the region.

— Time, "A Pregnant Rhino in San Diego Could Help Save a Related Subspecies," 19 May 2018
For women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), acupuncture practitioners say the procedure may increase blood flow, which may increase the chances of an embryo implanting.

— ariana eunjung cha, Philly.com, "Acupuncture is a popular offering at fertility clinics, but it doesn't improve fertility, study says," 4 June 2018
At in vitro fertilization clinics, the process of creating an embryo outside the body involves manual steps.

— chicagotribune.com, "Patients mobilize after malfunctions at fertility clinics damage thousands of eggs, embryos," 13 Mar. 2018
Today, Jared is three years into a treatment to increase his sperm count so the couple can try in vitro fertilization.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Utah Woman Panhandles to Pay for Her Infertility Treatments: 'I Can't Do This All on My Own'," 7 Mar. 2018
As Tarek underwent cancer treatment, he and Christina were also trying to have a second child via in vitro fertilization.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "What Really Led to Christina and Tarek El Moussa's Divorce," 25 June 2018

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

First Known Use of in vitro fertilization

1969

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

in vitro fertilization

noun

medical Definition of in vitro fertilization

: 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