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 adjective
oligomerization noun

Examples of oligomer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Soft gel, a formula of acrylic monomers and oligomers, is the material behind Gel-X. Until the cutting edge formula founded by Aprés, soft gel was too soft to extend into longer nails. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 31 Aug. 2023 This is important because oligomers are even more poisonous to brain cells than plaques are. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 27 Jan. 2023 Gel polishes are made with a mix of acrylic monomers and oligomers that harden under UV light to create a hard, glossy coat. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Feb. 2023 The title of most harmful form of amyloid goes to what’s known as a toxic oligomer, which is currently undetectable in the living human brain. Sam Gandy, STAT, 17 June 2021 Gel polish is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light. Jenna Rosenstein, Allure, 21 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oligomer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near oligomer

Cite this Entry

“Oligomer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligomer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 adjective
oligomerization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on oligomer

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