Definition

A medical treatment that uses special drugs to kill cancer cells or other harmful cells in the body.

Example

After her diagnosis, she started chemotherapy to fight the cancer.

Conversation

I heard that your aunt is starting chemotherapy next week.

Yeah, she's pretty nervous about it, but we're all supporting her.

That makes sense; it's a tough treatment to go through.

Absolutely, but the doctors say it's the best option for her.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chemotherapy is formed from "chemo-" (from Greek "chēmeia", meaning chemistry or the art of chemical science) and "-therapy" (from Greek "therapeia", meaning treatment or healing). The word refers to the treatment of disease, particularly cancer, using chemical substances.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chemistry' ('chemo-') as the science of chemicals used in 'treatment' ('-therapy') to help heal diseases.

Visually Confused Words