carotid
/kəˈrɒtɪd
/adjective
Relating to or denoting the two main arteries which carry blood to the head and neck, and their two main branches.Blood was obtained by carotid artery laceration....
- The catheter is inserted either at the front of the elbow, for investigation of the neck arteries (a carotid angiogram), or in the groin for a coronary angiogram.
- As he buttoned up his shirt, I noticed the scar on his neck from previous carotid surgery.
noun
Each of the carotid arteries.Palpation of the carotids, thyroid or abdominal organs was impossible....
- The ancients knew that pressure on the carotids could put someone to ‘sleep’ sometimes permanently.
- From the aorta these bubbles would have gone straight up the carotids to her brain.
Origin
Early 17th century: from French carotide or modern Latin carotides, from Greek karōtides, plural of karōtis 'drowsiness', from karoun 'stupefy' (because compression of these arteries was thought to cause stupor).