células madre
/θelulas madɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stem cells" is translated into Spanish as células madre.
células madre refers to undifferentiated animal cells that can develop into several different specialized cell types.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the plural form, only the noun células changes to reflect plurality. The modifier madre remains in its singular form. To refer to a single stem cell, use the singular form célula madre.
How do you pronounce it?
/θelulas madɾe/
Did you know?
- The word madre is used in many Spanish terms for a source or origin, such as masa madre for 'sourdough starter'.
- While English uses 'stem' as a botanical metaphor for the base of a plant, Spanish uses madre, meaning 'mother', to emphasize the cell's role as a progenitor.
- The Spanish word madre shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'matron'. Both words can be traced back to the Latin 'māter', which refers to a female progenitor.
Examples in context
- La terapia con células madre puede revolucionar el campo de la medicina regenerativa.Stem cell therapy can revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine.
- Las células madre son fundamentales para la investigación.Stem cells are fundamental for research.
- El médico explicó el uso de las células madre.The doctor explained the use of stem cells.
- Están estudiando las células madre en el laboratorio.They are studying stem cells in the laboratory.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing a science news report.
- Sofía¿Viste la noticia sobre las células madre?Did you see the news about stem cells?
- MateoSí, es un avance muy importante.Yes, it is a very important breakthrough.
- SofíaMateo, parece que cambiará la medicina pronto.Mateo, it looks like it will change medicine soon.
- MateoTienes razón, Sofía, es fascinante.You are right, Sofía, it is fascinating.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries madre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
