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
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The most promising way to do that is using stem cells. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 Pain and injuries can also be treated non-invasively without drugs or injections using the SoftWave TRT (Tissue Regeneration Technology), which works like a jumpstart for the body’s natural regenerative process, breaking down scar tissue and activating stem cells. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 The formula is particularly great for women over 50, as it’s packed with ultrahydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and raspberry stem cells that help with moisture and skin barrier health. Micaela English, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026 Researchers can now coax stem cells to behave like pancreatic islets, the tiny clusters of cells that regulate blood sugar. IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stem cell

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stem cell was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Stem cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stem%20cell. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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
: 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

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