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

There has been some research on editing liver stem cells outside the body, which would affect all liver cells, but that would be more costly, and it might be difficult to collect enough of the cells, said Xu.

From Popular-Science

Similar to any other cell type, these ovary-supporting cells can also be made from stem cells—if we know the secret chemical recipe.

From Singularity Hub 

Even crazier, both the eggs and the ovary were grown from stem cells.

From Singularity Hub 

D program at the University of Tennessee at Memphis College of Medicine and put in dozens of hours in cancer and stem cell research.

From Time

On paper, Duntsch was a star pick for any hospital system once he completed his residency, thanks to years of research and study of the use of stem cells and several strong recommendations from his prior supervisors.

From Time

Anti-vaxxers and anti-stem cell-ers come together, thanks to a recent paper linking autism to vaccines that use stem cells.

From The Daily Beast

The 2012 Republican Platform still states definitively: “We oppose federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.”

From The Daily Beast

Stem cell differentiation involves a plethora of regulatory factors and signals that are in a constant state of flux.

From The Daily Beast

The state had a robust stem-cell-research agency—while it was gutting its university systems and raising tuition.

From The Daily Beast

Imagine a future secretary appointed by a president who objects to, say, embryonic stem-cell research.

From The Daily Beast