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Definition of carotid
carotid
/kəˈrɑː.tɪd/
ca · rot · id
Plural:carotids
carotid Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
12
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
3
carotid Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Relating to, located near, or supplied by either of the two main arteries in the neck that carry blood to the head and brain.
Example
"The paramedic gently placed two fingers against the patient's neck to check for a carotid pulse."
• noun
1
Either of the two principal paired arteries in the neck that supply oxygenated blood to the head, face, and brain.
Example
"An ultrasound scan revealed a partial blockage in the left carotid that required medical attention."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for carotid• Rhymes for carotid
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century via French and Modern Latin from Ancient Greek karotides, derived from karoo ('to stupefy' or 'to plunge into deep sleep'), because ancient physicians observed that compressing these neck arteries caused unconsciousness.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carotid. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carotid