totipotency
(tō-tĭpˈə-tən-sē, tōˌtĭ-pōtˈn-sē) also
to·tip·o·tence (tō-tĭpˈə-təns, tōˌtĭ-pōtˈns)
noun pl. to·tip·o·ten·cies also
to·tip·o·ten·ces The ability of a cell, such as an egg, to give rise to unlike cells and thus to develop into or generate a new organism or part.
Origin:
Origin: Latin tōtus, whole; see total
Origin: + potency
.
Related Forms:
Learn more about totipotency