Definition
adjective
Having the ability to differentiate to a limited number of cell fates or into closely related family of cells.
Supplement
Multipotent progenitor cells can give rise to many but limited types of cell. For example, a hematopoietic cell can give rise to several types of blood cells but not into brain cells or other types of cells.
Word origin: multi– » Latin multus much, many + – potent, have power, to be able.
Related forms: multipotency (noun).
Compare: unipotent, pluripotent, totipotent.
See also: potent.
Related terms:
- multipotent cell
