cutaneous

adjective

cu·​ta·​ne·​ous kyü-ˈtā-nē-əs 

: of, relating to, or affecting the skin

a cutaneous nerve

cutaneous anthrax

cutaneously adverb

Examples of cutaneous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lisco said that the original notion — that HPV passively contributes to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by helping UV radiation damage skin cells, but doesn’t actively help cancer grow — is still the likely explanation for many people. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 30 July 2025

Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus: An autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin, especially on the scalp, face, and ears. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

This type of melanoma, called cutaneous melanoma, is the most common form of the disease. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025

These may be an early sign of skin cancer, including pigmented basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma. —Catherine Moyer, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin cutaneus, from Latin cutis skin — more at hide

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cutaneous

• cutaneous leishmaniasis

Rhymes for cutaneous

• calcaneus
• prometheus
• capias
• facias
• morpheus
• theseus
• tious

Kids Definition

cutaneous

adjective

cu·​ta·​ne·​ous kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs 

: of, relating to, or affecting the skin

a cutaneous infection

Medical Definition

cutaneous

adjective

cu·​ta·​ne·​ous kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs 

: of, relating to, or affecting the skin

a cutaneous infection

four cutaneous nerves arise from the cervical plexus

cutaneously adverb