chemo-

a combining form with the meanings “chemical,” “chemically induced,” “chemistry,” used in the formation of compound words:

chemotherapy.

Also, especially before elements of Latin origin, chemi-.

Also, especially before a vowel, chem-.

Origin

chem-, extracted from chemical or chemistry + -o- or -i-

British Dictionary definitions for chemo-

chemo-

combining form

indicating that chemicals or chemical reactions are involved: chemotherapy

Word Origin

New Latin, from Late Greek khēmeia; see alchemy

Word Origin and History for chemo-

before vowels chem-, word-forming element denoting "relation to chemical action or chemicals," from comb. form of chemical (adj.), used to form scientific compound words from c.1900.

chemo- in Medicine

chemo- or chemi- or chem-
pref.
Chemicals; chemical: chemotherapy.