What does sciatic mean?
“Sciatic” is an adjective meaning relating to the sciatic nerve, the hip, or the thigh. Its best-known use is in “sciatic nerve,” the body’s longest and one of its largest nerves, which extends from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. Problems involving this nerve can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels along the leg. The word is commonly encountered in medical contexts such as “sciatic nerve pain,” “sciatic nerve damage,” and “sciatic nerve compression.” It should not be confused with “sciatica,” which is the noun for the painful condition affecting the sciatic nerve. Although “sciatic” can occasionally refer to the hip or thigh more generally, its modern technical usage is overwhelmingly associated with the sciatic nerve.
adjectiveRelating to the hip, thigh, or sciatic nerve. The term is most commonly used in the phrase “sciatic nerve,” the large nerve that runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg.
- Relating to the sciatic nerve.
- Relating to the hip or thigh.
"The scan revealed inflammation around the sciatic nerve, causing pain down her leg."
"She experienced sharp pain caused by a compressed sciatic nerve."
"The physician explained that the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the back of the leg."
The sciatic nerve is the body’s longest nerve, extending from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sciatic come from?
The word “sciatic” comes through Latin from Greek roots associated with the hip or thigh. Its familiar English form entered medical usage in relation to the body’s major nerve running through the hip and leg. The related English noun “sciatica” developed from the same Latin tradition and refers to pain affecting that nerve.
Related word forms
How sciatic is actually used
“Sciatic” is primarily an attributive adjective, especially in the established phrase “sciatic nerve.” It is sometimes used more broadly for structures or conditions associated with the hip or thigh, but “sciatica” is the standard noun for nerve-related pain.
Easily confused with sciatic
“Sciatic” is usually an adjective describing the hip, thigh, or sciatic nerve, whereas “sciatica” is a noun for pain or inflammation affecting the sciatic nerve.