What does the prefix oligo mean?

The prefix "oligo" comes from the Greek word "ὀλίγος" (óligos), meaning "few" or "small".

It's often used in scientific terms to indicate something that is small in number or quantity. For example:

* Oligonucleotide: A short chain of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA).

* Oligosaccharide: A short chain of sugar molecules.

* Oligomer: A molecule composed of a few repeating units.

So, in general, "oligo" suggests a limited quantity or size.