: a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units

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

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

: a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units

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