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stem cell
noun
: an unspecialized cell that gives rise to differentiated cells
hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow
Examples of stem cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to become any type of cell in the body.
—Aitor Aguirre, The Conversation, 10 May 2024
Embryos currently can be donated to other couples or to stem cell research, or they can be destroyed with the permission of the parents.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stem cell
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stem cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1896, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near stem cell
Cite this Entry
“Stem cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stem%20cell. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
stem cell
noun
: a simple cell that can become a cell (as a blood cell or skin cell) with a special function
Medical Definition
stem cell
noun
: an unspecialized cell capable of perpetuating itself through cell division and having the potential to give rise to differentiated cells with specialized functions
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst stage of the embryo.—Carrie J. Merkle, in Essentials of Pathophysiology
… picture the bone marrow as a blood cell factory that takes a single type of precursor cell, or stem cell, and modifies it in various ways to produce all the cells that circulate in the blood.—Gina Kolata, Discover
Recent observations are providing increasing evidence for the concept that adult stem cells are part of a natural system for tissue repair.—Darwin J. Prockop, in Essentials of Stem Cell Biology
More from Merriam-Webster on stem cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stem cell
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