pluripotent

adjective

plu·​rip·​o·​tent plu̇-ˈri-pə-tənt 

: not fixed as to developmental potentialities

especially : capable of differentiating into one of many cell types

pluripotent stem cells

Examples of pluripotent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The therapies rely on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells — adult cells that are reprogrammed back into a stem-cell-like state. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

In a new study, the team grew miniature human spinal cords from induced pluripotent stem cells and then deliberately injured them to replicate key features of traumatic spinal cord damage. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026

But a new study out of UC San Diego has offered new insight on the process thanks to a model using pluripotent stem cells. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Dec. 2025

BioRescue is pioneering induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin plur-, plus more + English potent

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pluripotent

• mezzotint
• potent

Medical Definition

pluripotent

adjective

plu·​rip·​o·​tent plu̇-ˈrip-ət-ənt 

1

: not fixed as to developmental potentialities

especially : capable of differentiating into one of many cell types

pluripotent stem cells

2

: capable of having more than one effect

pluripotent activity