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carotid

Pronunciation: /kəˈrɒtɪd/

Definition of carotid

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)