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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in vitro fertilization

In addition, we provided substantial financial help for in vitro fertilization when our daughter was trying to have this baby.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 1, 2026

In late 2023, CooperSurgical recalled three lots of embryo culture solution used for in vitro fertilization.

From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026

Last March, at a Women’s History Month event, President Donald Trump highlighted his record on women’s health, including support for in vitro fertilization, saying he’ll one day be known as the “fertilization president.”

From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2026

Fertility treatments: Large employer health plans will be required to cover infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, for everyone, regardless of marital status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 1, 2026

When these failed, Dr. Rosen advised in vitro fertilization.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

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