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somatic cell
noun
: one of the cells of the body that compose the tissues, organs, and parts of that individual other than the germ cells
Examples of somatic cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The other involves editing the human genome, either in normal body cells (known as somatic cells) or in the germline, the cells that pass genes down to offspring.
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Amy Gutmann, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2018
In utero gene editing, or prenatal somatic cell genome editing, envisions treating a fetus diagnosed with a genetic disease before birth, thereby preventing that entire protocol and the onset of symptoms in the first place.
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Anna Yeo, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024
The technique used to create Retro builds upon the pioneering work that led to the creation of Dolly the sheep nearly 30 years ago, known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
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Sorcha Bradley, The Week Uk, theweek, 23 Jan. 2024
Why Trust Us? For decades, scientists have been able to create stems cells—known as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells—from somatic cells, such as those found in our skin.
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Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 17 Aug. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'somatic cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1888, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near somatic cell
Cite this Entry
“Somatic cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somatic%20cell. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
somatic cell
noun
: any cell of an animal or plant other than a germ cell
Medical Definition
somatic cell
noun
: any of the cells of the body that compose the tissues, organs, and parts of that individual other than the germ cells
More from Merriam-Webster on somatic cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about somatic cell
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