In vitro

Literally in glass, as in a test tube. A test that is performed in vitro is one that is done in glass or plastic vessels in the laboratory. In vitro is the opposite of in vivo (in a living organism).

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In an artificial environment, referring to a process or reaction occurring therein, as in a test tube or culture media. Cf.:in vivo. [L. in glass]

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in vi·tro in-'vē-(.)trō, -'vi- adv or adj outside the living body and in an artificial environment <growth of cells in vitro> <in vitro studies>

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Latin: describing biological phenomena that are made to occur outside the living body (traditionally in a test-tube).

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in vi·tro (in veґtro) [L.] within a glass; observable in a test tube; in an artificial environment.