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

Couples who plan to undergo in vitro fertilization are increasingly addressing custody of frozen embryos in prenups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 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

Photos from the scene showed extensive damage to American Reproductive Centers, a fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization lab across the street from Desert Regional Medical Center.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2025

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

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini