carotid

American  

[kuh-rot-id] / kəˈrɒt ɪd /

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.

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adjective

1. pertaining to a carotid artery.

carotid British  

/ kəˈrɒtɪd /

noun

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

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adjective

1. of or relating to either of these arteries

Other Word Forms

• carotidal
  adjective
• intercarotid
  adjective
• postcarotid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of carotid

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

Explanation

The adjective carotid relates to the two major arteries that send blood to your head and neck. The carotid arteries are very important to staying conscious and alive. Take care of your carotid arteries! This word is used almost exclusively for the carotid arteries. Those large arteries are vitally important, because they supply blood to your head and neck areas. If the carotid arteries are blocked, you will lose consciousness. If the carotid arteries are severed, you could bleed to death quickly. The root is from a Greek verb meaning stupefy, which makes sense given the stupefying feeling you will get if there's a problem with one of your carotid arteries.

Example Sentences

Carotid arteries - located on both sides of the neck - are major vessels that provide blood supply to the brain.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2024

Carotid and peripheral vascular products are implanted to treat circulatory disorders by increasing blood flow, while biliary products are implanted to treat obstructions in the bile ducts, the government said.

From Reuters • Dec. 27, 2013

Carotid canal—The carotid canal is a zig-zag shaped tunnel that provides passage through the base of the skull for one of the major arteries that supplies the brain.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Here’s what appears to be the most comprehensive paper on the condition I experienced on Friday: Painful Horner Syndrome as a Harbinger of Silent Carotid Dissection.

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2011

Carotid Bodies These are two small bodies situated, one on each side, between the origins of the external and internal carotid arteries.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 8 "Dubner" to "Dyeing" by Various