either one of the two principal arteries that supply blood to the head and neck
adjective
2.
of or relating to either of these arteries
Derived forms
carotidal (caˈrotidal)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from French, from Greek karōtides, from karoun to stupefy; so named by Galen, because pressure on them produced unconsciousness
carotid in American English
(kəˈrɑtɪd)
adjective
1.
designating, of, or near either of the two principal arteries, one on each side of the neck,which convey the blood from the aorta to the head
noun
2.
a carotid artery
Word origin
Gr karōtis, pl. karōtides, the two great arteries of the neck < karoun, to plunge into sleep or stupor: so called because compression of these was believedto cause unconsciousness
Examples of 'carotid' in a sentence
carotid
He pressed his fingers against her windpipe and felt a faint pulse in her carotid artery.
MacNeill, Alastair CODE BREAKER (2002)
Relief hit her as her fingers felt the slow beat of blood in the carotid artery.
Val McDermid THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)
Claire looked down at the carotid artery bulging out from the side of Junior's neck.