adjective
cutaneous
kyoo-TAY-nee-us
Cutaneous (adjective) means Cutaneous describes something that is on, part of, or affects the skin. Example: “The rash was a mild cutaneous reaction to the new soap.”
adjective
1
technical Cutaneous describes something that is on, part of, or affects the skin.
"The rash was a mild cutaneous reaction to the new soap."
"Doctors examined the patient for cutaneous signs of infection."
"The cream is used to treat a cutaneous fungal infection."
How to use cutaneous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCutaneous simply means to do with the skin.
When to use it
This is a formal, technical word mostly found in medical and scientific writing rather than everyday speech.
Memory tip
Do not confuse cutaneous, meaning on the skin, with subcutaneous, meaning under the skin.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cutaneous reaction
cutaneous infection
cutaneous nerve
cutaneous symptoms
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The rash was a mild _____ reaction to the new soap.
Etymology
Cutaneous comes from the New Latin word cutaneus, which was built on the Latin noun cutis, meaning skin.
Synonyms
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dermal
Rhymes for cutaneous
See all rhymes for cutaneous →Frequently asked questions
What does cutaneous mean?
It means relating to, on, or affecting the skin.
Is cutaneous the same as dermal?
Yes, dermal is a close synonym, and both terms describe something connected to the skin.
Where is the word cutaneous commonly used?
It appears mainly in anatomy, medicine and zoology, for example describing skin reactions, infections or treatments.
What is the meaning of cutaneous?
"cutaneous" (adjective) means cutaneous describes something that is on, part of, or affects the skin.
