What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subcutaneous
Example
The doctor gave me a subcutaneous injection in my arm. [subcutaneous: adjective]
Example
Subcutaneous tissue is important for regulating body temperature. [subcutaneous: noun]
hypodermic
Example
The nurse used a hypodermic needle to give me the injection. [hypodermic: adjective]
Example
I'm afraid of needles, especially hypodermic ones. [hypodermic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hypodermic is more commonly used than subcutaneous in everyday language, especially in the context of drug abuse or addiction. Subcutaneous is more commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in the context of insulin injections.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subcutaneous and hypodermic?
Both subcutaneous and hypodermic are formal words that are commonly used in medical contexts. However, subcutaneous may be considered slightly more formal due to its Latin roots and its association with medical terminology.
