mother cell

noun

: a cell that gives rise to other cells usually of a different sort

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The sticky cells in each of these snowflakes were genetically identical to each other---each cell had budded off from a mother cell, but had stuck around rather than setting off on its own. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mother cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mother cell was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near mother cell

Cite this Entry

“Mother cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother%20cell. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

mother cell

noun
: a cell that gives rise to other cells usually of a different sort
a sperm mother cell
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