oligomer
noun
olig·o·mer ə-ˈli-gə-mər 
: a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units
oligomeric
ə-ˌli-gə-ˈmer-ik
adjective oligomerization
ə-ˌli-gə-mə-rə-ˈzā-shən
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web 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 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, 4 Oct. 2019
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 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, 4 Oct. 2019 Word History
Etymology
oligo- + -mer
First Known Use
1952, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
oligomer
noun
oligo·mer ə-ˈlig-ə-mər
: a polymer or polymer intermediate containing relatively few structural units