Carotid
/kəˈrɒtɪd/noun
Either of the two major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the head and brain.
Did you know?The Greek root behind *carotid* was linked by ancient writers to drowsiness and stupor, which is why this medical term has a strangely hypnotic, almost spell-like origin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
καρωτίδες (karōtídes)
“The arteries of the neck, associated in ancient medical writing with stupor or deep sleep.”
Late Latin
Latin
carotides
“The carotid arteries.”
Middle French
French
carotide
“The carotid artery.”
16th Century
English
carotid
“A carotid artery.”
Modern English
English
carotid
“Either of the two major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the head and brain.”