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

Most are injectable, typically coming in pen-like syringes with short needles designed to target the subcutaneous region, or the deep fatty layer of your skin, for best absorption. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

The condition behind her dramatic appearance was subcutaneous emphysema. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

But Bristol Myers Squibb recently earned approval for a new subcutaneous formulation of its melanoma drug Opdivo, which will help mitigate losses. —The Motley Fool, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026

Earlier that year, Rune Elmqvist had invented this particular pacemaker, designed to be implanted in a subcutaneous pouch in a patient suffering a cardiac disease. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 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