in situ
adverb or adjective
in si·tu
(ˌ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)tü 
-ˈsi-,
-(ˌ)tyü
also -ˈsē-,
-(ˌ)chü
: in the natural or original position or place
an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct
Examples of in situ in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Photo: James Merrell How to test paint colors How color behaves in relation to other colors and in different light conditions is extremely complex, and nothing beats seeing them in situ, Studholme says.
—
Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Sometimes the internal organs are inspected in situ, but more typically they are removed, washed down, and dissected on a water table.
—Samuel Ashworth, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
Researchers labeled the statue’s pieces in situ before transporting them to a laboratory for further analysis.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Their startup is developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that will automate the assaying process for minerals in situ (on site).
—Greg Autry, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for in situ
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Sometimes the internal organs are inspected in situ, but more typically they are removed, washed down, and dissected on a water table.
—Samuel Ashworth, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
Researchers labeled the statue’s pieces in situ before transporting them to a laboratory for further analysis.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Their startup is developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that will automate the assaying process for minerals in situ (on site).
—Greg Autry, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for in situ
Cite this Entry
“In situ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20situ. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
in situ
adverb or adjective
in si·tu
(ˈ)in-ˈsī-t(y)ü
-ˈsi-
: in the natural or original position
the cancer cells remained in situ
Etymology
Latin, "in position"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share