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

The two carotid arteries carry 70% of the brain’s blood flow; block them, and a person can quickly lose consciousness.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

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 • May 19, 2025

He took Nancy’s hand and helped her onto the exam table, checking for circulatory problems as he felt her lymph nodes and her carotid artery for signs of swelling.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2024

These complications include carotid artery calcification, calcification of the abdominal aorta and peripheral vessels in the lower extremities, and small vessel disease in the feet.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2024

As we drive up to the building, I put my index and middle fingers on my carotid artery just behind my ear to take my pulse.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan