before vowels chem-, word-forming element denoting "relation to chemical action or chemicals," from combining form of chemical (adj.), used to form scientific compound words from c. 1900. In 19c., chemico- was used.
Entries linking to chemo-
chemical adj.
1570s, "relating to chemistry, pertaining to the phenomena with which chemistry deals," from chemic "of alchemy" (a worn-down derivative of Medieval Latin alchimicus; see alchemy) + -al (1). In early use also of alchemy. Related: Chemically. Chemical warfare is attested from 1917.
chemosynthesis n.
synthesis of organic material by living organisms involving non-organic chemicals (typically in the absence of sunlight), 1898; see chemo- + synthesis.
chemical (adj.)chemosynthesis (n.)chemotaxis (n.)chemotherapy (n.)