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

After six months of chemotherapy, the Colorado native entered remission in March 2024, only to relapse later that year and begin another grueling round of treatment that ultimately led to a stem cell transplant on March 10, 2025. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

Building on that goal, researchers in Shanghai used human pluripotent stem cells to create a three-dimensional sinoatrial node organoid by recreating signals normally seen during early embryo development. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026

The new generation of luxury retreats — places like Preidlhof, Sha Wellness and Velaa Private Island — now offer infrared therapy, cryotherapy, stem cell treatments, IV vitamin drips and biometric testing alongside the traditional spa menu. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026

The clearest red flags are unproven or invasive treatments — like stem cell therapy — and sweeping health claims tied to supplements, IV vitamin drips or biometric screenings that the science doesn’t yet support. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 May 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