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
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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 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 Oct. 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
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