sciatic nerve

noun

: either of the pair of largest nerves in the body that arise one on each side from the nerve plexus supplying the posterior limb and pelvic region and that pass out of the pelvis and down the back of the thigh

Examples of sciatic nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In physical therapy, nerve gliding, or a technique that moves the sciatica nerve, can help calm the sciatic nerve and reduce pain. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, spasms and irritates the nearby sciatic nerve. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition that happens when the piriformis muscle in the butt, which is flat and pear-shaped, pushes against the sciatic nerve, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). —Korin Miller, SELF, 24 Jan. 2025

Other options include a spinal decompression that removes extra pressure from your sciatic nerve. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sciatic nerve

noun

sī-ˌat-ik-

: a nerve that runs down the back of the thigh and is the largest nerve in the body

Medical Definition

sciatic nerve

noun

: either of the pair of largest nerves in the body that arise one on each side from the sacral plexus and that pass out of the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen and down the back of the thigh to its lower third where division into the tibial and common peroneal nerves occurs