noun
caduceus
kuh-DOO-see-us/kəˈdusiəs/
A staff entwined by two snakes, often winged, associated with Hermes or Mercury and used as a medical symbol.
Two snakes wind around the winged staff of the caduceus.
Etymology
The herald's staff became especially associated with Mercury, messenger of the gods, and was depicted with wings and two snakes. Its medical use reflects confusion with Asclepius's single-serpent rod.
In context
The caduceus is often used to represent medicine and healing, [music] but in its original interpretation, this symbol had nothing to do with the medical field.
More examples
- The sculpture depicts Hermes holding a caduceus.
- A caduceus appears on the medical unit's insignia.
- The curator distinguished the caduceus from a staff with one snake.
Forms
caduceus · caducei
Similar words
- Rod of Asclepius
- Has one snake and no wings, unlike the two-snake caduceus.