in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu (ˌ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)tü 

-ˈsi-,

-(ˌ)tyü 

 also  -ˈsē-,

-(ˌ)chü 

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

Examples of in situ in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When on the Red Planet, in situ resource utilization (ISRU) can create new rocket fuel. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025

One possibility is to build a complex at the site so that the mosaic can remain in situ. —George Nelson For Artnews, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025

Project engineers argued the historical remnants needed to be moved to continue construction, while cultural preservationists insisted the artifacts remain in situ as a monument to the city’s history visible in their original setting. —Leslie Katz, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

While Horner and Verstappen remain in situ, Red Bull has lost one of its stars as Adrian Newey left after 19 years to join Aston Martin in a deal worth around $40m a season. —Dan Cancian, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, in position

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in situ

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu (ˈ)in-ˈsī-t(y)ü 

-ˈsi-

: in the natural or original position

the cancer cells remained in situ

Etymology

Latin, "in position"

Medical Definition

in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu

(ˈ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)t(y)ü, -ˈsi- also -ˈsē-, -(ˌ)chü

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

see carcinoma in situ