What does hypodermically mean?
Hypodermically refers to the administration of a substance into the body through the skin, typically using a hypodermic needle. This method of administration is commonly used in medical contexts to deliver medication or other substances. The term is often used interchangeably with subcutaneously, although it specifically refers to the injection of a substance into the skin. Hypodermically is an important term in medical contexts, as it describes a specific method of administration that is distinct from other methods, such as oral or topical administration. The use of hypodermically in medical contexts highlights the importance of precise language in describing medical procedures and treatments. In addition to its medical applications, hypodermically can also be used in a more general sense to describe any method of administration that involves the injection of a substance into the body through the skin. This broader usage of the term is less common, but it can be useful in certain contexts to describe a specific method of administration that is not necessarily medical in nature.
adverbIn a manner that involves the injection of a substance into the body through the skin, typically using a hypodermic needle.
- In a manner that involves the injection of a substance into the body through the skin.
"The medication was administered hypodermically to the patient."
"The medication was administered hypodermically to the patient."
"The doctor explained that the injection would be given hypodermically."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hypodermically
The term hypodermically is derived from the Greek words 'hypo' meaning under and 'derma' meaning skin. It is related to the term hypodermic, which refers to a needle or syringe used for injecting substances into the skin. The term has been used in medical contexts since the late 19th century to describe the administration of medication or other substances through injection.
Usage notes
Hypodermically is often used in medical contexts to describe the administration of medication or other substances through injection.