# subcutaneous

/səbˌkjuˈteɪniəs/ (US) · /sˌʌbkjuːtˈeɪniəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subcutaneous
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

describing something that is located just below the skin, like a layer of fat or a type of injection.

For teachers: situated or occurring beneath the skin, specifically within the subcutaneous tissue layer. Often used to describe injections administered into this layer or the fat cells found there.

## Examples

- The doctor gave him a subcutaneous injection.
- The nurse explained that the subcutaneous injection would be less painful than one given into a muscle.
- The study examined the distribution of subcutaneous fat in various regions of the body to understand how it affects overall metabolic health.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.