oligo-

a combining form meaning “few,” “little,” used in the formation of compound words:

oligopoly.

Also, especially before a vowel, olig-.

Origin

< Greek, combining form of olígos little, few (in plural)

British Dictionary definitions for oligo-

oligo-

combining form

indicating a few or little: oligopoly

Word Origin

from Greek olígos little, few

Word Origin and History for oligo-

before vowels olig-, word-forming element meaning "few, the few," from comb. form of Greek oligos "few, scanty, small, little," in plural, "the few;" of uncertain origin.

oligo- in Medicine

oligo- or olig-
pref.
Few: oligosaccharide.