Caduceus

[kə'djuːsɪəs] or [kə'djʊsɪəs]

Definition

(noun.) an insignia used by the medical profession; modeled after the staff of Hermes.

Editor: Murdoch--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) The official staff or wand of Hermes or Mercury, the messenger of the gods. It was originally said to be a herald's staff of olive wood, but was afterwards fabled to have two serpents coiled about it, and two wings at the top.

Editor: Murdoch

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. [L.] Mercury's rod, Mercury's staff.

Checked by Edwin

Definition

n. (myth.) the rod carried by Mercury the messenger of the gods—a wand surmounted with two wings and entwined by two serpents.—adj. Cadū′cean.

Typist: Pearl