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

Their children were conceived through in vitro fertilization.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Right now, they are pursuing in vitro fertilization, which requires many doctor’s appointments.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

When he asked Zilis about it, she said it was via in vitro fertilization, or IVF, and that their relationship was platonic, according to his testimony.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

For example, in vitro fertilization can cost between $25,000 to $30,000 for one cycle without medication.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

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

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama