subcutaneous
Americanadjective
-
situated or lying under the skin, as tissue.
-
performed or introduced under the skin, as an injection by a syringe.
-
living below the several layers of the skin, as certain parasites.
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing subcutaneous
Dracula
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Into Thin Air
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
My Sister's Keeper
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Developing subcutaneous versions of injectable drugs is an area of focus for biopharma companies seeking to extend the patents for their top-selling medicines.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 15, 2026
In phase 2 clinical trials, researchers observed substantial reductions in subcutaneous fat.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026
The study evaluated the effects of Vyvgart in subcutaneous formulation in adults with moderate-to-severe Sjogren’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause symptoms including dry eyes and mouth, fatigue and joint pain.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
Zoo staff provided ventilation and water to cool her down, and later administered subcutaneous fluids, liver tonics and vitamins.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
However, the action of both heart and lungs improved, and Van Helsing made a subcutaneous injection of morphia, as before, and with good effect.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
