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 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

In-vitro fertilization could also come under threat, opponents say, as the process can result in discarded embryos.

From The Daily Beast

Mason said opponents use birth control and in-vitro fertilization as "scare tactics."

From The Daily Beast

Democrats say such amendments would “ban IUDs, the morning-after pill, in-vitro fertilization, and all abortions.”

From The Daily Beast

When attempting in-vitro fertilization with their own eggs, 85 percent of women in their forties fail to conceive.

From The Daily Beast