sciatic nerve

noun

Definition of sciatic nerve

: 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

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Recent Examples of sciatic nerve from the Web

Your sciatic nerve branches from your lower back into your hip and leg on each side of your body, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "6 Things That Could Be Causing Your Lower Back Pain, Based on How It Feels," 28 Mar. 2018
Also, Papa is a font of information about the sciatic nerve!

— william lee, chicagotribune.com, "'The Chi' recap Episode 9: In Tracy and Quentin, some dark histories show their faces," 12 Mar. 2018
The lawsuit alleges that the doctor injected too much fat into her gluteal muscles, which put pressure on her sciatic nerve.

— joy johnston, ajc, "Lawsuit: Woman claims Brazilian butt lift left her paralyzed," 18 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sciatic nerve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sciatic nerve

1726

in the meaning defined above

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SCIATIC NERVE Defined for English Language Learners

sciatic nerve

noun

Definition of sciatic nerve for English Language Learners

medical : a nerve that goes from the lower back down the back of the leg

Medical Dictionary

sciatic nerve

noun

medical Definition of sciatic nerve

: 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