1. A group of six protein subunits that form a capsomere on the surface of an icosohedral virus. 2. A complex or compound containing six subunits or moieties ( e.g., a protein complex with six polypeptide chains or an oligopeptide with six amino acid residues). [hexa- + G. meros, part]
* * *
hex·a·mer 'hek-sə-mər n
1) a polymer formed from six molecules of a monomer
2) a structural subunit that is part of a viral capsid and is itself composed of six subunits of similar shape
hex·a·mer·ic .hek-sə-'mer-ik adj
* * *
hex·a·mer (hekґsə-mər) 1. a polymer molecule composed of six monomers. 2. a capsomer having six structural subunits.Medical dictionary. 2011.