carotid

[ kuh-rot-id ]

noun

1. Also called ca·rot·id ar·ter·y [k, uh, -, rot, -id , ahr, -t, uh, -ree]. either of the two large arteries, one on each side of the head, that carry blood to the head and that divide into an external branch supplying the neck, face, and other external parts, and an internal branch supplying the brain, eye, and other internal parts.

adjective

1. pertaining to a carotid artery.

carotid

/ kəˈrɒtɪd /

noun

1. either one of the two principal arteries that supply blood to the head and neck

adjective

1. of or relating to either of these arteries

Derived Forms

• caˈrotidal, adjective

Other Words From

• ca·rot·id·al adjective
• in·ter·ca·rot·id adjective
• post·ca·rot·id adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of carotid¹

1660–70; < Greek karōtídes neck arteries, equivalent to karōt ( ikós ) soporific ( kár ( os ) stupor + -ōtikos -otic ) + -ides -id ¹; so called by Galen, who found that their compression causes stupor

Word History and Origins

Origin of carotid¹

C17: from French, from Greek karōtides, from karoun to stupefy; so named by Galen, because pressure on them produced unconsciousness

Example Sentences

His left carotid artery bursts and bright red blood sprays in a fountain into the air and splashes back on the sidewalk.

From The Daily Beast

But apparently a tear in the carotid artery is the leading cause in strokes among young people.

From The Daily Beast

With one hand, I parried the attack; with the other, I gave him a sharp blow on the carotid artery.

From Project Gutenberg

It is formed from two centres, each of which is originally a ring round the carotid foramen.

From Project Gutenberg

A shearer had run the point of his shears into the neck of a sheep, and opened the carotid artery.

From Project Gutenberg

The internal carotid artery of that side was of lesser calibre and the entire skull half shortened.

From Project Gutenberg

As I was examining the President's wound, I felt for a carotid pulse and felt none.

From Project Gutenberg