What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pluripotent
Example
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type. [pluripotent: adjective]
Example
Scientists are studying pluripotent cells to better understand how they can be used for regenerative medicine. [pluripotent: noun]
multipotent
Example
Adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited number of cell types. [multipotent: adjective]
Example
Multipotent cells in the bone marrow can differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. [multipotent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multipotent is more commonly used than pluripotent in scientific literature and everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pluripotent and multipotent?
Both pluripotent and multipotent are formal terms used in scientific contexts.
