Hypodermic: meaning, definitions and examples

💉
Add to dictionary

hypodermic

 

[ ˌhaɪpəˈdɜːrmɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

medical terminology

Hypodermic refers to something that is related to or situated below the skin. It is commonly used in the context of medical procedures, especially when discussing injections. A hypodermic needle, for instance, is specifically designed to penetrate the skin to deliver medication. This term emphasizes the direct application of substances into the body's tissues. Hypodermic often pertains to various medical practices involving injections or infusions.

Synonyms

intradermal, subcutaneous

Examples of usage

  • The nurse used a hypodermic needle for the vaccine.
  • Hypodermic injections are common for administering insulin.
  • He felt a slight pain from the hypodermic injection.
Context #2 | Noun

medical equipment

A hypodermic is a type of syringe or needle used predominantly in the medical field. It is designed for injecting medications or drawing fluids from the body. Hypodermics come in various sizes and are utilized for different types of injections, such as intramuscular or intravascular. This medical tool plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, making it possible to deliver precise dosages effectively.

Synonyms

injection device, syringe

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prepared a hypodermic for the patient.
  • They stocked the clinic with new hypodermics.
  • She carefully filled the hypodermic with the medication.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypodermic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipodérmico

🇮🇳 हाइपोडर्मिक

🇩🇪 hypodermisch

🇮🇩 hipodermik

🇺🇦 гіподермічний

🇵🇱 hipodermiczny

🇯🇵 皮下注射の

🇫🇷 hypodermique

🇪🇸 hipodérmico

🇹🇷 hipodermik

🇰🇷 피하의

🇸🇦 تحت الجلد

🇨🇿 hypodermický

🇸🇰 hypodermický

🇨🇳 皮下的

🇸🇮 hipodermičen

🇮🇸 húðdýra

🇰🇿 теріасты

🇬🇪 ჰიპოდერმული

🇦🇿 hipodermik

🇲🇽 hipodérmico

Etymology

The term 'hypodermic' originates from the Greek words 'hypo', meaning 'under', and 'derma', meaning 'skin'. This construction reflects the term's application in medicine, where it denotes procedures or instruments that involve penetration beneath the skin. It was first coined in the early 19th century, becoming widely used as medical advancements facilitated the development of injectable medications. The hypodermic needle has played an essential role in administering vaccines and medication, crucial for patient care. With improvements in its design over time, the hypodermic syringe has become a standard tool in hospitals and clinics worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,772, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.