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

Researchers in China have demonstrated a new way to turn adult human adipose tissue into functional organoids, without isolating stem cells or genetically reprogramming them. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026

Since stem cell models represent a disease’s early stages, simulating development is trickier and more time-consuming. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026

Over time, hematopoietic or blood stem cells can quietly acquire mutations that push them to divide just a little more aggressively, creating a larger group of clones in the bone marrow. —Angus Chen, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026

Some clinics use obsolete techniques; however, Vera Clinic -- an eminent name in Turkish hair transplant clinic-uses advanced techniques like Oxycure Therapy and stem cell treatments to support the graft’s health in the healing process. —Will Jones, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 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