carotid

 
Pronunciation: /kəˈrɒtɪd/

adjective

  • relating to or denoting the two main arteries which carry blood to the head and neck, and their two main branches.

noun

  • each of the carotid arteries.

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)