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

At its annual meeting, the convention voted to oppose in vitro fertilization and nearly voted to penalize Southern Baptist churches that have women ministers. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024

Southern Baptists, the country’s largest Protestant denomination, voted on Wednesday to oppose the use of in vitro fertilization. —Ruth Graham, New York Times, 12 June 2024

If that doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF). —Taayoo Murray, Essence, 31 May 2024

Over 50% of the U.S.’s largest companies now cover services like in vitro fertilization (IVF), and more than 20 states have passed legislation mandating some type of fertility coverage. —Anna Gordon, TIME, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

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