in vitro

[ in vee-troh ]

adverb

1. (of a biological process) made to occur in a laboratory vessel or other controlled experimental environment rather than within a living organism or natural setting. Compare in silico ( def ), in vivo ( def ).

in vitro

/ ɪn ˈviːtrəʊ /

adverb

1. (of biological processes or reactions) made to occur outside the living organism in an artificial environment, such as a culture medium

in vitro

/ ĭnvē′trō /

1. In an artificial environment, such as a test tube.
2. Compare in vivo

in vitro

1. In the laboratory; literally, “in glass” (laboratory experiments are often carried out in glass containers). In vitro conditions are distinguished from conditions that actually apply in nature. ( Compare in vivo .)

Notes

In vitro appears in the expression in vitro fertilization ,a way of producing human embryos in a laboratory.

Word History and Origins

Origin of in vitro¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from Latin in vitrō, literally, “in glass”

Word History and Origins

Origin of in vitro¹

New Latin, literally: in glass

Example Sentences

To counter fears that politicians who oppose abortion would ban in vitro fertilization, Trump floated during his campaign making in vitro fertilization treatment free.

From Los Angeles Times

These eggs were found to develop normally when fertilized in vitro and to become embryos or offspring when transplanted into the rat uterus.

From Science Daily

Coming during a discussion of abortion and reproductive rights, Lake was presumably referring to in vitro fertilzation, not a loyalist paramilitary in Northern Ireland.

From Salon

However, she rescinded her support because the bill could have imposed federal restrictions on in vitro fertilization.

From Los Angeles Times

Kerr said that protecting women’s reproductive freedom, access to in vitro fertilization and Medicare, and lowering the cost of prescriptions drugs are among his top healthcare-related priorities, according to his website.

From Los Angeles Times