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

On my first day of chemo, my mom, dad, sister, and husband were all there. —Allie Kubik, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2026

As Lendeborg’s star rose this season – from Big Ten player of the week to Big Ten Player of the Year – his mother tried to figure out her chemo schedule. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

Just three months later, scans showed that the chemo had shrunk the tumors. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Laird had never wanted to undergo chemo. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Mar. 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

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