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In vitro

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means taking place in a test tube or culture dish

Where does the word "in vitro" come from? It comes from Latin in vitrō, adopted directly into English (1890s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
in vitrō
Latin · ancient
"in glass"
'in glass', from 'vitrum', glass
2
Stage 2 of 2
in vitro
English · 1890s
"in the laboratory"
the world's first 'test-tube baby' conceived by IVF, Louise Brown, was born near Oldham in 1978
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In vitro’s story begins in Latin: in vitrō meant “in glass.” 'in glass', from 'vitrum', glass. It reached English by 1890s as in vitro. The world's first 'test-tube baby' conceived by IVF, Louise Brown, was born near Oldham in 1978. Today, in vitro means taking place in a test tube or culture dish.