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.
Those arguments could impact not only surrogacy, but also reproductive technology like in vitro fertilization. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Each round of in vitro fertilization, or IVF, is timed to a menstrual cycle, and doctors sometimes stop a round partway through, such as when the ovaries don’t respond as expected to medication. — Katherine Pukinskis, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Humphries said her own experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and endometriosis forced difficult decisions about whether to spend available money on starting a family, medical needs or her athletic career. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The law also protects those who are trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization and pregnant workers with medical conditions such as severe nausea and vomiting, A Better Balance President Inimai Chettiar said. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In vitro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20vitro. Accessed 2 Nov. 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
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