subcutaneous

adjective

sub·​cu·​ta·​ne·​ous ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs How to pronounce subcutaneous (audio)
: being, living, occurring, or administered under the skin
subcutaneous parasites
subcutaneous tissues
subcutaneously adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Love handles are what most people commonly call the bundle of subcutaneous fat that lies just above your pant line, sitting directly under the skin. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 26 Jan. 2023 It is administered with a single subcutaneous injection. Simon Makin, Scientific American, 8 Feb. 2023 Flamingo is working hard at his recovery and is receiving heat, oxygen, subcutaneous fluids, and medication at Wild Bird Fund's facility. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2023 The vaccine - called Jynneos, Imvanex and Imvamune, depending on geography - was designed to be injected into a layer of fat beneath the skin, known as a subcutaneous injection. Fox News, 2 Sep. 2022 There are two main types of fat: visceral and subcutaneous. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022 The study, conducted by CDC scientists using data from 43 jurisdictions across the country, found no difference in efficacy between subcutaneous and intradermal administration of the vaccine. Helen Branswell, STAT, 8 Dec. 2022 Unlike other products, though, Eliminate’s unique formula specifically targets subcutaneous fat cells. Dallas News, 15 Feb. 2022 Moss said that as long as people get both shots in the two-dose regimen, an intradermal injection would probably yield a similar immune response to a subcutaneous shot. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 9 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subcutaneous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subcutaneous was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near subcutaneous

Cite this Entry

“Subcutaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcutaneous. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

subcutaneous

adjective
sub·​cu·​ta·​ne·​ous ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs How to pronounce subcutaneous (audio)
: being, living, occurring, or given under the skin
subcutaneous parasites

Medical Definition

subcutaneous

adjective
sub·​cu·​ta·​ne·​ous ˌsəb-kyu̇-ˈtā-nē-əs How to pronounce subcutaneous (audio)
: being, living, used, or made under the skin
subcutaneous parasites
subcutaneously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on subcutaneous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


What Did You Just Call Me?

  • brown chihuahua sitting on the floor with squinting eyes looking at the camera
  • Before we went to her house, Hannah told us her aunt was a flibbertigibbet.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY