Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to the neck or throat: Specifically describes anatomical structures located in or pertaining to the neck region.
   • Relating to the jugular vein: Pertaining to the large veins in the neck that return blood from the head to the heart.

2. Noun:

   • Jugular vein: One of the several large veins in the neck that carry blood from the head back to the heart.
   • A vital and vulnerable point: A metaphorical term for a critical target or weakness that, if attacked, ensures a decisive advantage or victory.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the jugular arteries during the procedure.
  • An injury to the jugular region can be life-threatening.

• Noun:

  • The internal jugular is a major vein draining the brain.
  • In the debate, the candidate went straight for his opponent's jugular, attacking his weakest argument.

Advanced Usage

• "To go for the jugular": To attack a critical weakness in a ruthless or decisive manner, aiming for a quick and total victory.
  • The lawyer didn't waste time with minor points; she immediately went for the jugular during cross-examination.

Variants and Related Words

• Jugular vein (n): The specific anatomical term. Often used in the plural form "jugulars".
• Jugular foramen (n): An opening in the skull through which the jugular vein passes.

Synonyms

• For the anatomical sense: Cervical (adj), neck (adj/n).
• For the metaphorical sense: Achilles' heel, weak spot, vulnerability, fatal flaw.

Related Idioms

• "Go for the jugular": As described in Advanced Usage.
• "Have someone by the jugular": To have complete control or dominance over someone by exploiting their critical weakness.
  • With this evidence, the prosecutor had the defendant by the jugular.

Adjective

1. relating to or located in the region of the neck or throat
   • jugular vein

Noun

1. a vital part that is vulnerable to attack
   • he always goes for the jugular
2. veins in the neck that return blood from the head