test-tube

1 of 2

adjective

1
: in vitro
test-tube experiments
2
: produced by in vitro fertilization
test-tube babies

test tube

2 of 2

noun

: a plain or lipped tube usually of thin glass closed at one end and used especially in chemistry and biology

Examples of test-tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Struggling to create the first test-tube baby are nurse and embryologist Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie), scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton) and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy). The Week Uk, theweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Even before the birth of the first test-tube baby, conservative thinkers were distinctly preoccupied with what IVF might do to the structure of the American family. Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
However, most research has occurred with wheatgrass compounds in test tubes or animal studies rather than in humans. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024 Every student followed protocol to preserve the fish and minimize contamination, in many cases hauling gloves, test tubes, and coolers around in their cars. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for test-tube 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of test-tube was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near test-tube

Cite this Entry

“Test-tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test-tube. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

test tube

noun
: a tube of thin glass closed at one end and used especially in chemistry and biology

Medical Definition

test-tube

1 of 2 adjective
1
: in vitro
test-tube experiments
2
: produced by in vitro fertilization
test-tube babies

test tube

2 of 2 noun
: a plain or lipped tube usually of thin glass closed at one end and used especially in chemistry and biology
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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