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

But another reader says that the book got them through chemo, or through divorce. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

But, after the initial tests, we were told that there would be no chemo that day, because Jim’s platelet count was low. —Ann Patchett, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Walker would get chemo on a Wednesday and spend Thursday at Pedigo’s house. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025

In rarer cases, it’s used to mitigate the side effects of another chemo drug called high-dose methotrexate. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Sep. 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