Sciatica
/ˌsaɪ.əˈtɪk.ə/noun
Pain affecting the sciatic nerve, typically radiating from the lower back down the leg.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek *iskhiadikos*, meaning “of the hip,” from *iskhion* (“hip joint”), so this medical term began as a precise anatomical label rather than a mystical one.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
iskhiadikos
“of the hip”
Late Latin
Latin
sciaticus
“sciatic, affecting the hip or leg”
Old French
French
sciatique
“sciatic pain or sciatica”
Middle English
English
sciatike
“pain in the hip or leg”
Modern English
English
sciatica
“pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve”