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in vitro fertilization (s) (noun), in vitro fertilisation (British): IVF; in vitro fertilizations (pl)
1. A technique in which human egg cells are fertilized outside a woman's body: An in vitro fertilization is a major treatment for infertility where other methods of achieving conception have failed or is preferred by a couple based on their individual circumstances.

The process of in vitro fertilization involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman's ovaries, like in Jennifer's case, and letting sperm fertilize them in a fluid medium. The fertilized egg (zygote) is then transferred to Jennifer's uterus with the purpose of having a successful pregnancy.

2. Etymology: In vitro is Latin for "in glass", referring to the test tubes; however, neither glass nor test tubes are used, and the term refers generically to laboratory procedures. Babies that are born as a result of in vitro fertilization are sometimes called "test tube babies".
This entry is located in the following units: -fer, -ferous (page 4) vitreo-, vitre-, vitr- + (page 1)