slipped disc

noun

variants or slipped disk
plural slipped discs or slipped disks
: a protrusion of one of the cartilage discs between vertebrae with pressure on spinal nerves resulting in low back pain or sciatic pain
Such detailed photographs might save lives: diagnosis of cancer, tuberculosis, and even a slipped disc, will be quicker, with the guesswork eliminated.London Evening Free Press (London, Ontario)

Examples of slipped disc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In his career, Kippes has had two hip surgeries, broken both arms, both legs, a foot, fractured his neck, injured his knee and has slipped discs. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slipped disc was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slipped disc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slipped%20disc. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

slipped disc

noun
variants or slipped disk
: a protrusion of an intervertebral disc and its nucleus pulposus that produces pressure upon spinal nerves resulting in low-back pain and often sciatic pain
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster