in vitro fertilization

noun

1. a specialized technique by which an ovum, especially a human one, is fertilized by sperm outside the body, with the resulting embryo later implanted in the uterus for gestation.

in vitro fertilization

noun

1. a technique enabling some women who are unable to conceive to bear children. Egg cells removed from a woman's ovary are fertilized by sperm in vitro; some of the resulting fertilized egg cells are incubated until the blastocyst stage, which are then implanted into her uterus IVF

in vitro fertilization

1. Fertilization of an egg outside the body of a female by the addition of sperm, as a means of producing a zygote.

Word History and Origins

Origin of in vitro fertilization¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

That’s true of both abortion and in vitro fertilization.

From Slate

The conversation then headed toward in vitro fertilization.

From Slate

And based on some of Waggoner’s public statements, ADF, like many anti-abortion groups, wants the Supreme Court to declare, in the long term, that every fertilized egg has a right to life under the 14th Amendment, a legal theory known as fetal personhood, which would ban abortion nationwide and imperil in vitro fertilization.

From Slate

A federal court in Louisiana sided with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to enjoin requirements for abortion-related accommodations, and a North Dakota judge went a step further to block protections for women going through in vitro fertilization.

From Slate

However, she rescinded her support because the bill could have imposed federal restrictions on in vitro fertilization.

From Los Angeles Times