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

To better understand this process, the researchers used a human in vitro co-culture model that mimics the window of implantation, a short period when the uterus becomes receptive. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

At the time, the Hamiltons, who were in the midst of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, weren’t certain of their future as parents. —Brande Victorian, Essence, 12 Dec. 2025

The couple underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) for both their kids after experiencing fertility issues. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025

The in vitro gastrointestinal tract model, including the mouth, stomach and small intestine phases, was used to simulate the human digestive processes that occur after ingestion of the kale, composed of digestive fluids formulated in a previous study. —New Atlas, 8 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