in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce in vitro (audio) -ˈvi- How to pronounce in vitro (audio)
-ˈwē-
: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

Examples of in vitro 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 Porters used in vitro fertilization to assist the pregnancies. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 11 May 2026 Just two years ago, after an Alabama court issued a ruling that threatened the in vitro process, there was outrage across the political spectrum. — Scott Maxwell, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026 Advancements have also greatly extended the number of days human embryos can grow in vitro at the earliest stages of pregnancy. — Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 Be cautious when combining with antidiabetes drugs, as in vitro and animal studies suggest that oregano extracts might lower blood glucose levels. — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in vitro

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in vitro was circa 1894

Rhymes for in vitro

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Browse Nearby Words

invitress
in vitro
in vitro fertilization
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Cite this Entry

“In vitro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20vitro. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective
in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce in vitro (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce in vitro (audio) -ˈvi- How to pronounce in vitro (audio)
: outside the living body and in an artificial environment
growth of cells in vitro
in vitro studies
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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