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.

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subcutaneous British  

/ ˌsʌbkjuːˈteɪnɪəs /

adjective

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

   a subcutaneous injection

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subcutaneous Scientific  

/ sŭb′kyo̅o̅-tā′nē-əs /

1. Located or placed just beneath the skin.

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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

Example Sentences

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 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of amycretin taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and once-daily oral treatment, Novo Nordisk said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Alzheimer’s treatments will be an important theme, as Jared mentioned—especially early-onset Alzheimer’s, as we are seeing subcutaneous formulations enter the market.

From Barron's • Sep. 26, 2025

When consumed, they are absorbed in the small intestine and transported via lipoproteins in the bloodstream to be stored primarily in fat-rich tissues, including the subcutaneous layer of the skin.

From Salon • Jan. 20, 2025

I’d also burned up virtually all my subcutaneous fat, making me vasdy more sensitive to the cold.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer