carotid

[kuh-rot-id]

noun

1. Also called carotid artery. 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

Other Word Forms

• carotidal adjective
• intercarotid adjective
• postcarotid 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

A source familiar with the investigation told The Times that a bullet struck Kirk’s carotid artery.

From Los Angeles Times

A source familiar with the investigation told the Times that a bullet struck Kirk’s carotid artery.

From Los Angeles Times

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, California outlawed controversial carotid restraints that can cut off breathing.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Burgess, who suffered from multiple health conditions including diabetes and carotid artery disease, had been a resident at the home since 2018.

From BBC

It involves threading a catheter through the thigh’s femoral artery, behind the heart through the carotid artery and into the skull.

From Los Angeles Times