carotid

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

2. pertaining to a carotid artery.

noun

1. 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

adj.

1540s, “pertaining to the two great arteries of the neck,” from Greek karotides “great arteries of the neck,” plural of karotis, from karoun “plunge into sleep or stupor,” because compression of these arteries was believed to cause unconsciousness (Galen). But if this is folk etymology, the Greek word could be from kara “head,” related to kranion “skull, upper part of the head,” from PIE root *ker- “horn, head” (see horn (n.)).

n.

1. Either of two major arteries, one on each side of the neck, that carry blood to the head.

adj.

1. Relating to either of these arteries.