in vitro fertilization

American  

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.

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in vitro fertilization British  

noun

1.  IVF.  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

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in vitro fertilization Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of in vitro fertilization

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“There really is not any unmet medical or clinical need for this, especially from an in vitro fertilization perspective,” Komor said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Their children were conceived through in vitro fertilization.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Right now, they are pursuing in vitro fertilization, which requires many doctor’s appointments.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

For example, in vitro fertilization can cost between $25,000 to $30,000 for one cycle without medication.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

When that didn’t work, he recommended we move to in vitro fertilization.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama