hypodermic

American  

[hahy-puh-dur-mik] / ˌhaɪ pəˈdɜr mɪk /

adjective

1. characterized by the introduction of medicine or drugs under the skin.

   hypodermic injection.

2. introduced under the skin.

   a hypodermic medication.

3. pertaining to parts under the skin.

4. stimulating; energizing.

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noun

1. a hypodermic remedy.

2. a hypodermic injection.

3. hypodermic syringe.

4. the administration of drugs into subcutaneous body tissues.

hypodermic British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈdɜːmɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the region of the skin beneath the epidermis

2. injected beneath the skin

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noun

1. a hypodermic syringe or needle

2. a hypodermic injection

Other Word Forms

• hypodermically adverb

Etymology

Origin of hypodermic

First recorded in 1860–65; hypoderm(a) + -ic

Example Sentences

Similar to a hypodermic needle, a nematode uses its stylet to pierce cells and pull out food -- in this case from the pseudoscorpion's hypodermis, part of the outer covering known as the integument.

From Science Daily

"Mosquitoes evolved right along with them with a new feeding strategy of developing hypodermic needles for mouths and feeding on blood in order for females to have plenty of protein to develop mature eggs."

From Science Daily

They suggested equipping the Jungle like a campground, with lockers in the woods for storing belongings and bins under Interstate 5 for used hypodermic needles.

From Seattle Times

You think the Iron Throne is bad, the bassinets in the Seven Kingdoms are probably made out of old razor blades and hypodermic needles.

From Washington Post

The hollow hypodermic needles typically used to deliver vaccines depend on positive pressure.

From Science Magazine