pluripotent

adjective

plu·​rip·​o·​tent plu̇-ˈri-pə-tənt How to pronounce pluripotent (audio)
: not fixed as to developmental potentialities
especially : capable of differentiating into one of many cell types
pluripotent stem cells

Examples of pluripotent 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.
BioRescue is pioneering induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Human pluripotent stem cells, capable of transforming into any cell type, were treated with a unique chemical mix at a precise stage of their development. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2025 From there, these induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be coaxed to become whatever cell type is needed for a specific treatment. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025 Colossal scientists were also the first to generate elephant induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) — cells that could potentially be developed into any tissue in the body — in a lab. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pluripotent

Word History

Etymology

Latin plur-, plus more + English potent

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pluripotent was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pluripotent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluripotent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

pluripotent

adjective
plu·​rip·​o·​tent plu̇-ˈrip-ət-ənt How to pronounce pluripotent (audio)
1
: not fixed as to developmental potentialities
especially : capable of differentiating into one of many cell types
pluripotent stem cells
2
: capable of having more than one effect
pluripotent activity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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