caduceus
/kəˈduːsiəs/
noun
- A staff with two snakes wrapped around it and wings at the top, used as a symbol of medicine and healing.
- The doctor's office had a caduceus carved into the wooden door.
- The caduceus is often confused with the Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake.
- Many medical schools use the caduceus as part of their official logo.
- In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, a staff carried by the messenger god Hermes (or Mercury), symbolizing peace and commerce.
- Ancient coins sometimes featured a caduceus to represent trade and negotiation.
- In the museum, we saw a statue of Hermes holding his caduceus.
- The caduceus was used by heralds to show they came in peace.