subcutaneous

American  

[suhb-kyoo-tey-nee-uhs] / ˌsʌb kyuˈteɪ ni əs /

Also subdermal

adjective

1. situated or lying under the skin, as tissue.

2. performed or introduced under the skin, as an injection by a syringe.

3. living below the several layers of the skin, as certain parasites.

---

subcutaneous British  

/ ˌsʌbkjuːˈteɪnɪəs /

adjective

1. med situated, used, or introduced beneath the skin

   a subcutaneous injection

---

subcutaneous Scientific  

/ sŭb′kyo̅o̅-tā′nē-əs /

1. Located or placed just beneath the skin.

---

Other Word Forms

• subcutaneously adverb
• subcutaneousness noun

Etymology

Origin of subcutaneous

From the Late Latin word subcutāneus, dating back to 1645–55. See sub-, cutaneous

Explanation

The adjective subcutaneous is a medical term that describes anything that exists or is inserted just below the skin. Unfortunately, you're most likely to hear the word subcutaneous at the hospital or doctor's office when you're just about to get a shot. The word itself is made up of sub, which is "under" in Latin, and cutaneous, which comes from cutis, meaning "skin." The only actual synonym for subcutaneous is hypodermic, which also usually describes a needle that is inserted below the skin.

Example Sentences

The company added that the treatment, known as Tepezza OBI and administered in a subcutaneous form, achieved efficacy that is comparable with the intravenous version.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

On the other hand, subcutaneous fat -- the fat just beneath the skin -- can actually support healthier metabolism.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

Much of Keytruda’s future is tied to a subcutaneous formation of the drug, which was approved in September.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

The U.K. pharmaceutical company said Tuesday that the FDA issued a complete response letter, which indicates that a new drug application can’t be approved in its present form, regarding Saphnelo for subcutaneous administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

While I waited for my turn, I saw several people pulled out of line when the scanner found a subcutaneous minicomputer or a voice-controlled phone installed as a tooth replacement.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline