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

The dye somehow made its way to the sciatic nerve, which runs throughout the back of the leg. —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 4 Sep. 2024

Staying active and using lumbar support can keep your sciatic nerve healthy in the long run. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 4 Aug. 2024

Nerve conduction studies: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies test the functionality of the sciatic nerve by checking the electrical signals between the sciatic nerve and its corresponding muscles. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 4 Aug. 2024

Your sciatic nerve provides sensations in your legs and controls muscles in your calf. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 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