What does jugular mean?
Jugular is an anatomical term relating to the neck, especially the major veins that carry blood from the head and neck back toward the heart. As an adjective, it appears in expressions such as "jugular vein," "jugular pulse," and "jugular pressure." As a noun, a jugular is one of these veins, or more generally a vein in the neck. The word is used mainly in medicine, anatomy, and emergency or sports contexts, where rapid assessment of blood flow and pressure can be important. Although it may sound unusual outside a medical setting, it is precise and familiar: a clinician can check the jugular pulse when examining the cardiovascular system, and the jugular vein is a central landmark in neck anatomy. The term derives from the Latin jugulum, meaning the neck or throat.
Relating to or situated in the neck, especially to the jugular vein or other structures of the neck.
"The physician examined the jugular pulse at the base of the neck."
Primarily used in medical and anatomical contexts.
One of the two major veins in the neck that drains blood from the head and neck and returns it to the heart.
"The scan showed a small clot in the jugular."
Usually used in the singular as a general anatomical term; "jugular vein" is the most common fixed expression.
The jugular vein carries blood from the head back to the heart, making it one of the neck's most important highways.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jugular come from?
Jugular comes through Late Latin jugularis, meaning "of the neck," from Latin jugulum, meaning "neck" or "throat." The modern English term was used anatomically for the veins of the neck. The related English words jugulate and jugulation were also formed from this Latin root, although their meanings involve killing or death rather than anatomy.
How jugular is actually used
In medical contexts, the term is technical but widely understood. The expression "jugular vein" is standard; the adjective is normally used in anatomical or medical descriptions.
Easily confused with jugular
Jugular relates to the neck or jugular veins, whereas juggle means to keep several objects in the air or manage a difficult situation.