[toh-tip-uh-tuh
nt] 
| (of a cell or part) having the potential for developing in various specialized ways in response to external or internal stimuli. |
| to·tip·o·ten·cy (tō-tĭp'ə-tən-sē, tō'tĭ-pōt'n-sē) n. 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. [Latin tōtus, whole; see total + potency.] to·tip'o·tent adj. |