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

As a petitioner on the July 3 citizens' petition for a stem cell therapy known as NurOwn, my community has presented the FDA with a clear test. —Shahriar Minokadeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025

Jun Wu, an associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Southwestern is one of a number of stem cell biologists involved in the field. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 30 July 2025

The core focus is deep hydration and skin barrier repair, using actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and botanical stem cells. —Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

Target area: Fine lines and wrinkles Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, moringa extract, and cactus stem cell extract Isdin Age Contour Firming and Rejuvenating Cream Talk about tightening and hydration in one! —Jennifer Chan, People.com, 10 June 2025

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