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in silico
adverb or adjective
Did you know?
In silico literally means "in silicon" in New Latin, and is a nod to the importance of silicon in the creation of computer chips. (The same nod is given in the name "Silicon Valley.") In silico, which dates only to the early 1990s, is modeled on and often contrasted with two similarly-structured terms, both of which date to the pre-computer days right around the start of the 20th century. In vitro means "outside the living body and in an artificial environment." (In New Latin in vitro means "in glass.") In vivo translates as "in the living" in New Latin, and is used in English to mean "in the living body of a plant or animal."
Examples of in silico in a Sentence
Word History
New Latin, literally, in silicon
1987, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“In silico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20silico. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
Medical Definition
in silico
adjective or adverb
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