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

Instead of mining and transporting coal to the surface – a costly and complex process – the system could convert coal into electricity in situ, transmitting only power upward. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026

The Dartmouth was unable to confirm if a photograph of the work in situ is in fact now on view in the Nearburg Gallery. —Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Among the goals for the lunar base is to develop technologies to enable in situ resource utilization, enabling crews to essentially live off the land. —Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026

The aim is not just cultural exchange, but hands-on production: Each participant develops a new body of work rooted in Indian materials and craft traditions, created in situ with the artisans themselves. —Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, in position

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in situ

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids 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"

Medical Definition

in situ

adverb or adjective

in si·​tu

(ˈ)in-ˈsī-(ˌ)t(y)ü, -ˈsi- also -ˈsē-, -(ˌ)chü

: in the natural or original position or place

an in situ cancer confined to the breast duct

see carcinoma in situ