Dendrimers are repetitively
branched molecules. The name comes from the
Greek word δένδρον (
dendron), which translates to "tree". Synonymous terms for dendrimer include
arborols and
cascade molecules. However, dendrimer is currently the internationally accepted term. A dendrimer is typically symmetric around the core, and often adopts a spherical three-dimensional morphology. The word
dendron is also encountered frequently. A dendron usually contains a single chemically addressable group called the focal point or core. The difference between dendrons and dendrimers is illustrated in the top figure, but the terms are typically encountered interchangeably.