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

Piriformis syndrome occurs when your piriformis muscle compresses your sciatic nerve and results in inflammation. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025

Yet further experiments with electron microscopy revealed the smaller particles had indeed reached the distant region—both neurons and the cells supporting them—of the sciatic nerve. —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 4 Sep. 2024

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

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