subjacent

adjective

sub·​ja·​cent ˌsəb-ˈjā-sᵊnt 

: lying under or below

also : lower than though not directly below

hills and subjacent valleys

subjacently adverb

Word History

Etymology

Latin subjacent-, subjacens, present participle of subjacēre to lie under, from sub- + jacēre to lie — more at adjacent

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

subjacent

adjective

sub·​ja·​cent səb-ˈjās-ᵊnt 

: lying immediately under or below

subjacent tissue

severe bone loss subjacent to gingival inflammation