cryopreservation

noun

cryo·​pres·​er·​va·​tion ˌkrī-ō-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
: preservation (as of cells) by subjection to extremely low temperatures
cryopreserve
ˌkrī-ō-pri-ˈzərv How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
ˈkrī-ō-pri-ˌzərv
transitive verb

Examples of cryopreservation 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.
The team took stem cells from mice, then froze them solid, a process called cryopreservation. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025 However, one key challenge in cryopreservation is ice crystal formation. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Feb. 2026 There are two hundred and fifty two people currently suspended in cryopreservation at the Alcor facility with more than fifteen hundred people signed up for the future. — Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026 Researchers were pleasantly surprised to find that spaceflight did not affect how well the germ cells sustained themselves through cryopreservation, underlining an important option for future human use. — Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryopreservation

Word History

Etymology

cryo- + preservation

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryopreservation was in 1965

Rhymes for cryopreservation

See All Rhymes for cryopreservation

Browse Nearby Words

cryoplanation
cryopreservation
cryoprobe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cryopreservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryopreservation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cryopreservation

noun
cryo·​pres·​er·​va·​tion -ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
: preservation (as of sperm or eggs) by subjection to extremely low temperatures
cryopreserve
-pri-ˈzərv How to pronounce cryopreservation (audio)
transitive verb
cryopreserved; cryopreserving
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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