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

Despite the initial hype, recent studies have found that only six to 11% of women use frozen eggs, often getting pregnant naturally or using fresh eggs for in vitro fertilization. —Amanda Sloat, Time, 14 May 2025

Having shown success during in vitro tests, this process could soon allow for enhanced drug delivery within the body and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2025

When floor work finally got underway in the House, the chamber fully passed House Bill 1259, which would enshrine in vitro fertilization, or IVF, protections in state law and also would make a more contentious change to the state's sperm bank regulations. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 May 2025

Last month, Ye was criticized for making comments about Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s 7-year-old kids Rumi and Sir Carter during an explosive X tirade, where West questioned the twins’ mental abilities and made unsubstantiated claims about in vitro fertilization. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 21 Apr. 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