Definition

A short chain made up of a few nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.

Example

Researchers used an oligonucleotide to help identify the genetic sequence.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with an oligonucleotide in your experiments?

Not really, but I've heard they're quite useful in genetic research.

Yeah, they're short chains of nucleotides that can help with DNA analysis.

That sounds interesting! I should look into using oligonucleotides myself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oligonucleotide → It is formed from "oligo-" (from Greek "oligos", meaning few or small) and "nucleotide" (from Latin "nucleus", meaning core or seed, and Greek "tide", meaning a unit). The word refers to a small sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.

Memory Tip

Think of 'few' ('oligo-') units ('nucleotide') coming together to form a small piece of genetic material.

Visually Confused Words