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

He was readmitted to the hospital on April 1, and the next day began a second round of chemo — this time for five days. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026

Up to 80% of people who receive chemo experience some degree of cognitive impairment, previous studies have shown. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026

Every Bruin chipped in during those 10 weeks of chemo. —Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 14 May 2026

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

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