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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
Most people who donate stem cells snap back almost immediately, and this felt like a very minimal price to pay.
—Pia Velasco, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
The process uses stem cells taken from a living pig, putting them through a fermentation-like process that dramatically amplifies their growth and differentiation into the muscle and fat that comprise real meat—in just four days.
—Chris Norris, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
Every product is formulated with their exclusive Commence Complex, a blend of alfalfa extract to support hair growth, quinoa peptides to add volume, acai stem cells for antioxidants that provide anti-aging perks and a Lactobacillus ferment, bio-fermentation technology that calms the scalp.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Embryo models—that is, embryos created using stem cells—could provide a real alternative for studying some of the hardest problems in human development, unlocking crucial details about, say, what causes miscarriages and developmental disorders.
—Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
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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 14 Nov. 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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