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

In a perfect and parsimonious world, a single two-stage spacecraft would land on Mars, scoop up soil samples in situ, and transfer them to an ascent stage which would blast off into orbit. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025

It is hoped a new manager will be in situ quickly, potentially in time for Wednesday’s game at home to Aston Villa. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Yet the confusion and delay were unhelpful, particularly during a January window, and all of this played out with Dyche still in situ. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

See Rubens in situ While living in Antwerp from 1609 to 1621, Rubens painted some of his most monumental masterpieces for the city’s churches. —Nina Siegal, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025

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