stem cell

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a cell that upon division replaces its own numbers and also gives rise to cells that differentiate further into one or more specialized types, as various B cells and T cells.

stem cell

noun

1. histology an undifferentiated cell that gives rise to specialized cells, such as blood cells

stem cell

1. An unspecialized cell found in fetuses, embryos, and some adult body tissues that has the potential to develop into specialized cells or divide into other stem cells. Stem cells from fetuses or embryos can develop into any type of differentiated cells, while those found in mature tissues develop only into specific cells. Stem cells can potentially be used to replace tissue damaged or destroyed by disease or injury, but the use of embryonic stem cells for this purpose is controversial.

2. Also called progenitor cell

stem cell

1. A cell from which a variety of other cells can develop through the process of cellular differentiation. Stem cells can produce only a certain group of cells (as with skin stem cells) or any cell in the body (as with embryonic stem cells).

A major controversy involves the question of whether nonembryonic stem cells should be used for medical purposes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stem cell¹

First recorded in 1880–85