# carotid

/kɝˈɑtɪd/ (US) · /kəɹˈɒtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carotid
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. relating to the neck arteries

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to the two large arteries in the neck that carry blood to the head.

For teachers: pertaining to the carotid arteries, which are the primary vessels supplying oxygenated blood to the brain and face.

- The doctor checked the patient's carotid pulse on the side of the neck.
- The surgeon performed a delicate procedure to clear a blockage in the carotid artery and reduce the risk of a stroke.

Usage: Usually placed before a noun like 'artery', 'pulse', or 'sinus'.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specialized anatomical term; learners will mostly encounter it in medical contexts or news reports about health.

### 2. the carotid artery

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

one of the two main arteries in the neck.

For teachers: either of the two major arteries in the neck that bifurcate into internal and external branches.

- The carotid carries blood from the heart up to the brain.
- The internal carotid provides the primary blood supply to the cerebral hemispheres, making its health vital for cognitive function.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the'.

Teaching tip: In casual medical talk, 'the carotid' is often used as a shorthand for 'the carotid artery'.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the carotid artery for any blockages.
- During the physical exam, the physician listened to the carotid pulse to assess blood flow to the brain.
- A carotid ultrasound is a standard diagnostic tool used to identify atherosclerotic plaques that might restrict blood flow to the cerebral cortex.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.