The term hypodermic can be divided into two main components: hypo- and -dermic.
Hypo- is a prefix derived from Greek, meaning ‘under’ or ‘below’. It indicates a position that is lower than normal.
-dermic comes from the Greek word ‘derma’, which means ‘skin’. This suffix is used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to the skin.
When combined, the term hypodermic essentially means ‘under the skin’. It is commonly used to refer to medical procedures involving the injection of substances, such as medications, directly beneath the skin’s surface. Hypodermic needles are a common tool used in these procedures, allowing for precise delivery of drugs into the bodily tissues.