test-tube

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtes(t)-ˌt(y)üb How to pronounce test-tube (audio)
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
The world’s first test-tube baby was Louise Brown, born in England three years earlier. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025 After developing into an embryo in a test-tube, it’s implanted into the womb of a female surrogate animal. — Emily Mullin, Wired News, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
They were found with 5,000 ants in test tubes. — ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026 Previously, drug compounds were placed by hand one at a time in single test tubes. — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 15 Mar. 2026 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

Rhymes for test-tube

See All Rhymes for test-tube

Browse Nearby Words

test the waters
test-tube
test tube
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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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