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
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.
Local researchers will attempt to find a way to either regenerate or regrow this nerve and plan to use novel stem cell and bioelectronic technologies to develop the procedure. Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024 Should a match be needed, that donor will receive a call and arrangements will be made to donate their stem cells; their blood is then rushed to wherever the patient is located. Nicole Gregory, Orange County Register, 19 Nov. 2024 Given his support for dubious and unproven therapies, such as stem cells and hyperbaric oxygen, an FDA under Kennedy, for instance, could choose to not go after companies that market unapproved treatments. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 The treatment involves growing and transplanting new insulin-producing cells from the patient’s own stem cells. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stem cell 

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stem cell was in 1896

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 24 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!