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 ).

Notes

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

Example Sentences

One option is cultivated, or cultured, meat and seafood: muscle tissue grown in labs in bioreactors, using animal stem cells.

From Salon

Mr Slorance, who died aged 49, had gone into hospital in October 2020 for a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma.

From BBC

A team has discovered how the human body creates skin from a stem cell, and even reproduced small amounts of skin in a lab.

From BBC

The three-member panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found that the FDA’s definition of processed stem cells as a “drug” was correct.

From Los Angeles Times

Medics now want to find a suitable donor so he can undergo a stem cell transplant to prevent the leukaemia taking hold again.

From BBC