vitreo-, vitre-, vitr- +

The capability of transforming molten glassy matter into a stony mass by slowly cooling: The result of this devitrifiable process is the formation of crystallites, microbites, etc, in the glassy base, which are then called devitrification products.

The procedure involves devitrifiable glass becoming partly crystallized as it cools very slowly from the molten state.

Devitrification may also occur on the surface as a result of unsuccessful "annealing"* or accidental heating to a high temperature. It is not caused by chemical reaction between glass and its environment, which is known as "weathering".

*Annealing refers to the process of slowly cooling a completed object in an auxiliary part of a glass furnace, or in a separate furnace.

This is an integral part of glassmaking because if a hot glass object is allowed to cool too quickly, it will be highly strained by the time it reaches room temperature and indeed, it may break as it cools. Highly strained glasses break easily if subjected to mechanical or thermal shock.

The transformation of a glassy matter into a crystalline condition; the procedure of changing vitreous rock into a hard and opaque crystalline state: The procedure of devitrification involves glass becoming partly crystallized as it cools very slowly from the molten state.

Devitrification may also occur on the surface as a result of unsuccessful "annealing"* or accidental heating to a high temperature. It is not caused by chemical reaction between glass and its environment, which is known as "weathering".

*Annealing refers to the process of slowly cooling a completed object in an auxiliary part of a glass furnace, or in a separate furnace. This is an integral part of glassmaking because if a hot glass object is allowed to cool too quickly, it will be highly strained by the time it reaches room temperature and indeed, it may break as it cools. Highly strained glasses break easily if subjected to mechanical or thermal shock.

1. To change from a glassy to a crystalline state and become brittle and opaque, or to cause a material to do this.
2. To cause (a glassy material) to become crystalline and brittle.
3. With reference to a volcanic rock or to a particle; to undergo a change in texture from glassy to crystalline.

Vitreoretinopahy characterized by entry of protein and cells into the vitreous space of the eye: Sally knew that her eyes were in very bad condition and learned that she had a slowly progressive ocular disease called exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Translation: Fortune is of glass; she glitters just at the moment of breaking.

A reference to a biological process which is made to occur in a laboratory vessel or other controlled experimental environment rather than within a living organism or natural setting.
2. 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 a laboratory.

In vitro is the opposite of in vivo (in a living organism).

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".

Unable to be converted into glass: Without heat and fusion, the process of making mirrors, or other glassy substances, is invitrifiable.

1. The state of being imperfectly vitrified.
2. A substance imperfectly vitrified.

Beneath the vitreous (glasslike or hyaline; the vitreous body of the eye).

Not vitrified; not converted into glass.

1. A thin curtain for windows or glazed doors.
2. A curtain of light and translucent material intended to be secured directly to the woodwork of a French casement window or a glazed door.

Stained glass.

1. A narrow glassy band found in bituminous coal.
2. A coal lithotype characterized by a brilliant, glassy appearance, jet-black color, cubic cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; a component of bonded coal; pure coal.

A glass blower.