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

During his chemo sessions, Reeve did cold-cap therapy to keep his hair. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 29 Sep. 2026

Some of them are fighting presently and in chemo presently and still coming out to be on our show. — Courtney Cole, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

Annotated divorce papers blown up and mounted, interactive exhibits detailing how your mom’s last round of chemo didn’t take, souvenir T-shirts emblazoned with your best friend’s last words before the car crash. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

For example, doctors have to monitor the impact of chemo on Jake’s kidneys and heart. — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 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