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

They are now appealing for more people to sign up as stem cell donors.

From BBC

As muscles age, their stem cells build up high levels of a protein that makes them slower to switch on and repair damaged tissue.

From Science Daily

In an early phase clinical trial, doctors are implanting specially engineered stem cells into the brain.

From Science Daily

In the new research, the team worked with human spinal cord organoids -- miniature organs derived from stem cells -- to recreate different forms of spinal cord trauma and evaluate a promising regenerative treatment.

From Science Daily

Neural stem cells are responsible for generating new neurons, which play an essential role in learning and memory.

From Science Daily