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

Cities are promising to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization. —Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

During these interviews, the president-elect discussed a wide range of topics that currently affect the United States and voters, such as medical marijuana, artificial intelligence, and in vitro fertilization. —Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025

Those 10 or so days of smoky air affected everyone, especially patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments, or IVF. —Kylie Mohr, WIRED, 4 Jan. 2025

The research that does exist is largely based on animal studies and in vitro studies (outside the body, such as in a petri dish).3 Boldo contains antioxidants.4 Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress and damage to cells that can lead to health problems. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

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