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- Word comparison: in vivo vs. in vitro
in vivo vs. in vitro
in vivo vs. in vitro: ºÚÁÏÍø’s the difference?
The scientific terms in vivo and in vitro are used to describe biological processes—specifically, to indicate where a process happens. In vivo (Latin for “in something aliveâ€) means happening inside a person or in a natural setting. In vitro (Latin for “in glass,†as in a glass test tube) means happening in a lab or other controlled environment—not inside a body or natural setting. For example, in vitro fertilization involves fertilization that happens outside the body.
adverb
- (of a biological process) occurring or made to occur within a living organism or natural setting. Compare in silico ( def ), in vitro ( def ).
adverb
- (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. Compare in silico ( def ), in vivo ( def ).