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

In the case of carboplatin and cisplatin—and several other chemo drugs experiencing shortages—these medicines take a certain investment and expertise to make. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Seba, who doctors determined had acute myelogenous leukemia, spent the next five months in the hospital undergoing five rounds of chemo. — Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 31 July 2026

By this April, the chemo was no longer working, and Neill underwent CAR T-cell therapy. — ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

She was soon diagnosed with throat and breast cancer and began chemo. — Eileen Finan, PEOPLE, 26 June 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