oligomer

[ uh-lig-uh-mer ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a polymer molecule consisting of a small number of monomers.

oligomer

/ ɒˈlɪɡəmə /

noun

1. a compound of relatively low molecular weight containing up to five monomer units Compare polymer copolymer

oligomer

/ ə-lĭg′ə-mər /

1. A molecule that consists of a relatively small and specifiable number of monomers (usually less than five). Unlike a polymer, if one of the monomers is removed from an oligomer, its chemical properties are altered.

Other Words From

• o·lig·o·mer·ic [uh, -lig-, uh, -, mer, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligomer¹

First recorded in 1965–70; oligo- + -mer

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligomer¹

C20: from oligo- + -mer, as in polymer

Example Sentences

As the concentration of proteins increases, so does the phase separation and the oligomer formation.

From Quanta Magazine