: either of two stereoisomers that differ in the arrangement of groups on a single asymmetric carbon atom (such as the first chiral center of a sugar's carbon chain)

Word History

Etymology

epi- + isomer

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epimer was circa 1911

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epimer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epimer. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

: either of the stereoisomers of a sugar or sugar derivative that differ in the arrangement of the hydrogen atom and the hydroxyl group on the first asymmetric carbon atom of a chain
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