chemo

1 of 2

noun

che·​mo ˈkē-(ˌ)mō How to pronounce chemo (audio)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Most, if not all, are here for the day — three-four-five hours of chemo and pre- and post-treatments of steroids and other medications. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025 With cancer, what happens is that the radiation and the chemo and the surgery just damages your body. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 That chemo created severe health complications for Olson. J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chemo

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by shortening

Combining form

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

First Known Use

Noun

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemo was in 1977

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chemo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemo. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

chemo-

combining form
: chemical : chemistry
chemotaxis
Etymology

Combining form

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

Medical Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!