in vitro fertilization


noun

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.

Origin of in vitro fertilization

First recorded in 1970–75

Words nearby in vitro fertilization

British Dictionary definitions for in vitro fertilization

in vitro fertilization

noun

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 Abbreviation: IVF

Medical definitions for in vitro fertilization

in vitro fertilization

n.

Fertilization of an egg outside the body of a female by the addition of sperm, as a means of producing a zygote.

Scientific definitions for in vitro fertilization

in vitro fertilization

Fertilization of an egg outside the body of a female by the addition of sperm, as a means of producing a zygote.