in vitro

American  

[in vee-troh] / ɪn ˈvi troʊ /

adverb

1. (of a biological process) made to occur in a laboratory vessel or other controlled experimental environment rather than within a living organism or natural setting.

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in vitro British  

/ ɪn ˈviːtrəʊ /

adverb

1. (of biological processes or reactions) made to occur outside the living organism in an artificial environment, such as a culture medium

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in vitro Scientific  

/ ĭnvē′trō /

1. In an artificial environment, such as a test tube.

2. Compare in vivo

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in vitro Cultural  

1. In the laboratory; literally, “in glass” (laboratory experiments are often carried out in glass containers). In vitro conditions are distinguished from conditions that actually apply in nature. (Compare in vivo.)

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Discover More

In vitro appears in the expression in vitro fertilization , a way of producing human embryos in a laboratory.

Etymology

Origin of in vitro

First recorded in 1890–95; from Latin in vitrō, literally, “in glass”

Compare meaning

How does in-vitro compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• in vivo vs. in vitro

Example Sentences

So far, the research has been conducted only in vitro.

From Science Daily • Dec. 7, 2025

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

"Our study demonstrates that arginine can suppress Aβ aggregation both in vitro and in vivo," explains Prof. Nagai.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2025

The stand-up comic and actor had two comedy specials in recent years, including, “Son I Never Had” on Netflix, where she talked about her journey with in vitro fertilization, or IVF, and “Breadwinner” on Hulu.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

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

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama