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caduceus

caduceus


ca·du·ce·us    Audio Help   (kə-dōō'sē-əs, -shəs, -dyōō'-)   

n.   pl. ca·du·ce·i (-sē-ī')

    1. A herald's wand or staff, especially in ancient times.

    2. Greek Mythology A winged staff with two serpents twined around it, carried by Hermes.

  2. An insignia modeled on Hermes's staff and used as the symbol of the medical profession.


[Latin cādūceus, alteration of Greek dialectal kārūkeion, from kārūx, herald.]
ca·du'ce·an (-sē-ən, -shən) adj.
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