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

This research is funded by Californians who approved a bill in 2004 to create the state’s regenerative medicine institute and fund it with $3 billion at a time when many states were blocking stem cell research due to religious concerns. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Barriers to innovation are often higher in illicit or restricted markets, including cannabis, stem cells and cryptocurrencies. —Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026

Among the specific research studies being delivered are quantum science module that could advance the hunt for dark matter, as well as improve computing technology and the equipment needed to increase therapeutic stem cell production to treat cancer and blood diseases. —Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Bauman said his practice is participating in a clinical trial with Acorn, applying stem cells topically with microneedling. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 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