stem cell

American  

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.

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stem cell British  

noun

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

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stem cell Scientific  

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

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stem cell Cultural  

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).

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of stem cell

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

A Norwegian man has been effectively cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant from his brother, doctors announced on Monday.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

In an article in the journal Cell Stem Cell, one of the leading voices in stem cell research, George Daley, gave a damning verdict on the work attempting to prove the existence of VSELs.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

The day of Scott’s stem cell treatment, a nurse first extracted 80 cc of his blood, which was spun down to produce platelet-rich plasma; after that, red blood cells were removed, leaving concentrated plasma proteins.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Their approach brings together stem cell science, immunology, and transplantation research.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

Her treatment plan included chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant to replace the cancerous cells destroyed by treatment with healthy stem cells.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026