HCO

HCO is an acronym that can refer to several concepts depending on the field. Because it lacks a single universally recognized meaning, its interpretation relies on context.

In chemistry, HCO commonly denotes the formyl species. It can refer to the formyl radical, HCO•, a short-lived reactive intermediate observed in combustion and interstellar chemistry. It can also denote the formyl substituent in organic molecules, often represented as -CHO, which is the formyl group attached to a carbon skeleton.

In health care administration and policy, HCO is used as a generic abbreviation for Health Care Organization, referring to entities that provide, coordinate, or finance medical services—such as hospitals, clinics, or integrated delivery networks. The exact scope and usage vary by country and organization.

Beyond chemistry and health care, HCO appears in various organization names, project titles, or branding, and is not standardized. When encountering HCO in text, identifying the surrounding subject or seeking a defined term is necessary to determine the intended meaning.