What is a short chain of monomers that has the growth of its chain halted called?

The correct answer, oligomer, refers specifically to a short chain of monomers that has stopped growing. Oligomers are formed when the polymerization process is interrupted before a full polymer chain can develop. This often results in a structure that has properties intermediate between those of monomers and polymers.

In the context of nail technology, oligomers are commonly used in products like gel nails or coatings, where curing the oligomer through exposure to UV light allows it to bond and form a solid layer. Understanding the role of oligomers is crucial for nail technicians as it informs them about the materials they are working with and the properties they impart to nail products.

The other options include terms that refer to different concepts. A polymer is a much longer chain of monomers that have fully undergone the polymerization process. A monomer is a single molecule that can join together with others to form a polymer. Resin typically refers to a viscous organic compound that can harden and often contains either oligomers or polymers, but it is not specifically the term for a short chain that has halted growth.