chemo

1 of 2

noun

che·​mo ˈkē-(ˌ)mō 

: chemotherapy

chemo-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or less commonly chemi-

1

: chemical : chemistry

chemotaxis

2

: chemically

chemisorb

Examples of chemo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The college freshman watched his grandfather suffer and helped keep him company after difficult chemo treatments. —Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026

Unable to nurse because of chemo, Sanders was gifted breast milk from two of her friends. —Eileen Finan, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

Patients on the treatment lived a median of 13 months, compared to around six months for those who continued with chemo. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026

William then gifted her a second eternity band, this one featuring both sapphires and diamonds, around the time of their 13th wedding anniversary (which also coincided with Kate finishing chemo). —Emma Banks, InStyle, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by shortening

Combining form

chem- (in chemical entry 1) + -o-

First Known Use

Noun

1977, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chemo

• chemo brain

Rhymes for chemo

• fortissimo
• pianissimo

Kids Definition

chemo-

combining form

: chemical : chemistry

chemotaxis

Etymology

Combining form

scientific Latin, from Greek chēmeia "alchemy" — related to alchemy, chemistry

Medical Definition

chemo

noun

ˈkē-ˌmō 

: chemotherapy