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Chemotherapy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It is often used to treat various types of cancer.

chemotherapy

/ˌkiːmoʊˈθerəpi/ /ˌkiːməʊˈθerəpi/

Definition:

Treatment of disease, especially cancer, using chemical substances to kill harmful cells.

Synonyms:

chemo, drug therapy, anticancer treatment

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

prevention, wellness

Common Collocations:

undergo chemotherapy, chemotherapy treatment, chemotherapy side effects, chemotherapy drugs, chemotherapy session

Derivatives:

chemotherapeutic, chemotherapist

Usage Tips:

Use "chemotherapy" to refer specifically to medical treatment involving chemicals for diseases like cancer.

Common Phrases:

chemo brain, chemo cocktail, fighting cancer with chemo

Etymology:

From Greek "chemo-" (chemical) + "therapy" (treatment), coined in early 20th century.

Examples:

  • 1. She started chemotherapy last week.
  • 2. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue and nausea.
  • 3. His doctor recommended a new chemotherapy drug.
  • 4. The patient responded well to chemotherapy sessions.

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