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

Algorithms also predict tumor aggressiveness, helping oncologists tailor chemo or radiation plans to each individual’s biology rather than a population average. —Yidi Xu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

While there’s certainly nothing like chemo or surgery happening on any massage tables, doctors are primarily responsible for crafting these new spa menus. —Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025

Now, Hughes is in her sixth round of chemo and fundraising to be able to afford a drug called Enhertu, which is not broadly available for people with her type and stage of breast cancer. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 25 June 2025

But Leslie kept me sane through those last months of chemo, staging karaoke contests with fake mikes. —Noor Hassan, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025

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