oligomer

noun

olig·​o·​mer ə-ˈli-gə-mər How to pronounce oligomer (audio)
: a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units
oligomeric
ə-ˌli-gə-ˈmer-ik How to pronounce oligomer (audio)
adjective
oligomerization
ə-ˌli-gə-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce oligomer (audio)
noun

Examples of oligomer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clearing Protein Clumps and Reducing Inflammation With Alzheimer's, amyloid beta oligomers—small clusters of a brain protein called amyloid beta that become sticky and toxic—build up and attach to brain cells, interfering with how the brain works and eventually killing cells. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 Acumen is focused on developing treatments for Alzheimer's disease, leveraging its proprietary approach targeting amyloid-beta oligomers, which are believed to be a key factor in the disease's pathology. — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

oligo- + -mer

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oligomer was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

oligodendroglia
oligomer
Oligomera
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oligomer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligomer. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

oligomer

noun
oligo·​mer ə-ˈlig-ə-mər How to pronounce oligomer (audio)
: a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units
oligomeric
-ˌlig-ə-ˈmer-ik How to pronounce oligomer (audio)
adjective
oligomerization
-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce oligomer (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on oligomer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oligomer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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