subcutaneous

[ suhb-kyoo-tey-nee-uhs ]

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.

subcutaneous

/ ˌsʌbkjuːˈteɪnɪəs /

adjective

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

   a subcutaneous injection

subcutaneous

/ sŭb′kyo̅o̅-tā′nē-əs /

1. Located or placed just beneath the skin.

Derived Forms

• ˌsubcuˈtaneously, adverb

Other Words From

• subcu·tane·ous·ly adverb
• subcu·tane·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcutaneous¹

From the Late Latin word subcutāneus, dating back to 1645–55. See sub-, cutaneous

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcutaneous¹

C17: from Late Latin subcutāneus, from sub- + Latin cutis skin + -eous

Example Sentences

They found that UV exposure raises norepinephrine levels, decreases leptin levels, and induces the browning of subcutaneous fat, thereby increasing energy expenditure.

From Science Daily

After weight loss, people with overweight and obesity express more of the protein Kallistatin* in subcutaneous white adipose tissue.

From Science Daily

"Not only that, but it also resulted in a greater number of T central memory cells compared to subcutaneous vaccination, which could lead to longer-lasting protection."

From Science Daily

The pulsatile subcutaneous pump has now revealed promising results in its first clinical trial.

From Science Daily

The department’s medical team tried to save the animals through subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics and feedings, but they had to be euthanized due to their deteriorating condition.

From Los Angeles Times