Word Study
carotid
CIDE DICTIONARY
carotid, n. [Gr. , pl., from heavy sleep: cf. F. carotide. The early Greeks believed that these arteries in some way caused drowsiness.].
carotid, a.
Pertaining to, or near, the carotids or one of them; as, the carotid gland. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
carotid, n. & adj.
--n. each of the two main arteries carrying blood to the head and neck.
--adj. of or relating to either of these arteries.
--n. each of the two main arteries carrying blood to the head and neck.
--adj. of or relating to either of these arteries.
Etymology
F carotide or mod.L carotides f. Gk karotides (pl.) f. karoo stupefy (compression of these arteries being thought to cause stupor)
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