in situ

[in sahy-too, -tyoo, see-, in sit-oo]

adverb

1. situated in the original, natural, or existing place or position.

   The archaeologists were able to date the vase because it was found in situ.

2. Medicine/Medical.

   1. in place or position; undisturbed.

   2. (especially of a malignant tumor) in a localized state or condition.

      carcinoma in situ.

in situ

/ ɪn ˈsɪtjuː /

adverb

1. in the natural, original, or appropriate position

2. pathol (esp of a cancerous growth or tumour) not seen to be spreading from a localized position

in situ

1. In the original place or arrangement: “The body was left in situ until the police arrived.” From Latin, meaning “in position.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of in situ¹

First recorded in 1730–40, in situ is from Latin in sitū literally, “in place”

Example Sentences

Potential bidders will be allowed to see it in situ, he said, but they won’t be allowed to use it.

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In recent years, Puglia has started to export its culinary heritage—burrata, anyone?—but many of the region’s specialties are still best sampled in situ.

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Their bodies have bound feet or missing heads; many corpses were exhumed and burned in situ.

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Researchers can now pinpoint active degraders in situ, map the progression of glycan breakdown through space and time, and quantify turnover rates in complex communities.

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These include leaving some of the waste in situ and placing a soil cap on top of it, upon which plants would be cultivated to help absorb pollutants.

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Related Words

• situated