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

His work pioneered investigations into innovative approaches targeting cancer stem cells and integrative oncology. — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Their menus include advanced therapies such as vitamin shots, protein and stem cell treatments, and IV infusions designed to support goals like weight loss, stress relief, and gut health. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

Doctors collected healthy blood-forming stem cells from her body, then administered high-dose chemotherapy to destroy cancerous cells in her bone marrow. — Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Plus, the blush is packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and raspberry leaf stem cell extract. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 31 July 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