Sciatic: meaning, definitions and examples
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sciatic
[ saɪˈætɪk ]
medical term
The term 'sciatic' refers to anything related to the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body. It is primarily associated with pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically starting from the lower back and radiating down through the legs. Sciatic pain can be caused by various factors, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or injury.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She is experiencing sciatic pain after her injury.
- The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down to the legs.
- Physical therapy might help alleviate sciatic symptoms.
Word origin
The word 'sciatic' originates from the Latin word 'sciaticus', which means 'relating to the hip' and is derived from the Greek term 'ischiadikos'. The Greek term relates to 'ischium', a part of the hip bone, and 'algia', which denotes pain. The first recorded use of 'sciatic' in English appeared in the early 16th century. Over time, it has become widely used in medical terminology to describe conditions and symptoms associated with the sciatic nerve. The evolution of this term reflects the increased understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, particularly in the fields of medicine and health care.