Oligo
/ˈɒlɪɡəʊ/noun
A combining form meaning “few,” “little,” or “scanty,” especially in scientific and political terms.
Did you know?The Greek root oligos appears in oligarchy, literally describing rule by the few—a linguistic link between small quantity and concentrated political power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European (proposed)
PIE
*h₁leǵʰ-u-
“A reconstructed root associated with “little” or “few”; its connection to Greek oligos is considered probable but not absolutely certain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀλίγος (oligos)
“Few, little, small in number or amount.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀλιγο- (oligo-)
“A combining form meaning few, little, or scanty.”
19th Century
Scientific English
oligo-
“Adopted into technical vocabulary to denote small quantity, limited number, or deficiency.”
Modern English
English
oligo
“Used independently as a shortened form in specialized or informal contexts, while remaining chiefly a combining form.”