chemoprevention

noun

che·​mo·​pre·​ven·​tion ˌkē-mō-pri-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce chemoprevention (audio)
: the use of chemical agents to prevent or slow the development of cancer
chemopreventive
ˌkē-mō-pri-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce chemoprevention (audio)
adjective

Examples of chemoprevention in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
GiveWell cites a Cochrane Collaboration review of six randomized studies that found that malaria cases among young children fall by 73 percent due to seasonal chemoprevention campaigns. — Dylan Matthews, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024 There are also other interventions — including bed nets and chemoprevention — that can help reduce the risk of malaria. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

chemo- + prevention

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemoprevention was in 1976

Rhymes for chemoprevention

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Browse Nearby Words

chemoorganotrophic
chemoprevention
chemoprophylaxis
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Cite this Entry

“Chemoprevention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemoprevention. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

chemoprevention

noun
che·​mo·​pre·​ven·​tion -pri-ˈven-chən How to pronounce chemoprevention (audio)
: the use of chemical agents to prevent the development of cancer
chemopreventive
-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce chemoprevention (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on chemoprevention

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chemoprevention

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