A precursor cell that has a tendency to differentiate into a specific type of cell. They are descendants of stem cells, only they are more constrained in their differentiation potential or capacity for self-renewal, and are often more limited in both senses. [ https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409503-8.00002-0 https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A978-1-62808-994-3 ]