Final answer:
"IM" in medical terminology stands for "intramuscular," which refers to injections given directly into muscle tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
In medicine, "IM" stands for intramuscular. This is a term used to describe an injection given directly into a muscle. Medications administered intramuscularly are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly due to the rich blood supply in muscles. This method is commonly used for vaccines, hormones, and antibiotics. It is different from intravenous (IV), which is injected into the vein, and subcutaneous (SQ or SC), which is injected into the fat layer under the skin.