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

Operating ‘beyond the bounds of FDA approval’ Although there is a lack of FDA approval and little evidence of its efficacy, stem cell treatments for autism are being steadily provided across the country. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 18 June 2026

Unlike other skin-care innovations, such as exosomes, spicules, PDRN, and stem cells, longevity is more of a change in mindset than a shift in ingredients. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 June 2026

But Zohn’s story as a true survivor was only getting started, as he was diagnosed twice with CD20+ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring two stem cell transplants and requiring two long, slow recovery periods — recovery periods the reality star says were greatly aided by the use of medicinal cannabis. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026

Treatment wiped out the cancer, but Lucy's weakened body had another ailment, one that stopped her from making stem cells, blood or platelets. —Siafa Lewis, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stem cell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

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

ˈstem- 

: 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