in situ

American  

[in sahy-too, -tyoo, see-, in sit-oo] / ɪn ˈsaɪ tu, -tyu, ˈsi-, ɪn ˈsɪt u /

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.

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in situ British  

/ 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

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in situ Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of in situ

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

Example Sentences

There are other conditions highlighted that need to be in situ at this point for a stock market rally to develop.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

Ms Ackord said any prospective buyer "would want to be in situ by the summer", suggesting a sale could be completed before the pier's busiest trading period.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

The team expects progress in the near future, especially as in situ resource use becomes increasingly important for long duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

From Science Daily • Dec. 25, 2025

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.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

If you’re trying to prove that site to other archaeologists and you find an unequivocal stone artifact in situ in a site that’s twelve thousand years old, everyone should run over with a camera.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• situated