noun
: either of two arteries of the face that are the terminal branches of the external carotid artery:
a. : an artery supplying the deep structures of the face (as the nasal cavities, palate, tonsils, and pharynx) and sending a branch to the meninges of the brain — called also internal maxillary artery
b. : an artery running up along the side of the face and nose — called also external maxillary artery, facial artery