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
Noun
As the nation collectively emerges from a year marked by very publicly catastrophic chemo drug shortages, this senseless wastage of perfectly viable, reusable cancer medication is deeply upsetting. Samyukta Mullangi, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024 Volunteers have been flying patients around the country to get chemo or access blood products for decades, but Elevated Access was established explicitly around bodily autonomy. Hannah Murphy Winter, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 Isabella noted that most days are uneventful for her, especially after dealing with the painful side effects of chemo. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2024 Television Michael Strahan finally explains ‘GMA’ absence: His 19-year-old’s brain cancer battle Jan. 11, 2024 Documenting her first round of chemo, Isabella’s recent videos offered followers a look at her treatment and detailed its side effects, ranging from eye and jaw pain to headaches. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 In December 2023, Mahon began her 18th round of chemo. Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 30 Jan. 2024 Scripps’ chemo infusion center overlooks the 10th hole of the South Course, which will determine Saturday’s champion. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2024 My doctors informed me that eventually the chemo will stop working because my condition is terminal. Julia Ries, SELF, 18 Jan. 2024 Cold-capping is a procedure in which hair follicles are frozen at sub-zero temperatures during chemo treatments to prevent them from absorbing the chemicals. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 28 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chemo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near chemo

Cite this Entry

“Chemo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemo. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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