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

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

Nelson was still married in 2020 when the fertility clinic called her at work with devastating news: Her husband had just requested the destruction of the embryos they created through in vitro fertilization, or IVF.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

In my reporting for a recent story on in vitro fertilization, patients told me again and again that they had assumed that IVF was a “guarantee.”

From Slate • May 2, 2025

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

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama