subcutaneous

adjective

sub·​cu·​ta·​ne·​ous ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs 

: being, living, occurring, or administered under the skin

subcutaneous parasites

subcutaneous tissues

subcutaneously adverb

Examples of subcutaneous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They were given vitamins and subcutaneous fluids before transitioning to a natural diet that included small meat bits and a species-specific formula that is similar to their mother’s milk. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025

This means freezing methods can be applied at skin level to destroy underlying subcutaneous fat while not harming the skin. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025

The scans revealed details about their hearts, blood vessels, and distribution of both visceral and subcutaneous fat. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 28 Aug. 2025

The job market is a complex system, with many subcutaneous factors. —Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin subcutaneus, from Latin sub- + cutis skin — more at hide entry 2

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subcutaneous

• miscellaneous
• percutaneous
• simultaneous
• subterraneous
• transcutaneous
• contemporaneous
• extemporaneous
• intracutaneous
• mucocutaneous
• extraneous
• spontaneous
• lanius

Kids Definition

subcutaneous

adjective

sub·​cu·​ta·​ne·​ous ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs 

: being, living, occurring, or given under the skin

subcutaneous parasites

Medical Definition

subcutaneous

adjective

sub·​cu·​ta·​ne·​ous ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs 

: being, living, used, or made under the skin

subcutaneous parasites

subcutaneously adverb