hypodermic
/,haipə'də:mik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to or located below the skin: Specifically, relating to the area beneath the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). This term is most commonly used in a medical context to describe injections or procedures that deliver substances into this subcutaneous layer.
- Relating to a hypodermic needle or syringe: Pertaining to the specific type of syringe and needle used for such injections.
Noun:
- A hypodermic syringe: A medical instrument, typically a piston syringe fitted with a hollow needle, used to inject substances (such as medication or vaccines) under the skin or into a muscle.
- A hypodermic injection: The act or instance of administering a substance using such a syringe. (This usage is less common than referring to the instrument itself).
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The doctor used a hypodermic needle to administer the vaccine.
- The medication is designed for hypodermic use only.
- Noun:
- The nurse prepared a sterile hypodermic for the injection.
- He carefully disposed of the used hypodermic in a sharps container.
Advanced Usage
- Hypodermic model (of communication): A theory in media studies suggesting that media messages are injected directly and uniformly into a passive audience, influencing them powerfully. This is a metaphorical extension of the word's medical meaning.
- The lecture discussed the limitations of the hypodermic model in understanding modern media effects.
Variants and Related Words
- Hypodermically (adverb): In a hypodermic manner; by means of a hypodermic injection.
- The drug is administered hypodermically.
- Subcutaneous (adjective): A direct synonym meaning "situated or applied under the skin." This is the more formal medical term.
- The implant is placed in a subcutaneous pocket.
Synonyms
- Subcutaneous (adj.): Under the skin.
- Injector (n.): A device for injecting, though this is a broader term not exclusive to medical use.
Related Phrases
- Hypodermic needle: The specific hollow needle attached to a syringe for injections.
- Safety-engineered hypodermic needles help prevent needlestick injuries.
- Hypodermic syringe: The complete instrument consisting of a barrel, plunger, and needle.
- She assembled the hypodermic syringe from its sterile packaging.
Adjective
- relating to or located below the epidermis
- hypodermic needle
- subcutaneous implant
Noun
- a piston syringe that is fitted with a hypodermic needle for giving injections