caduceus (ke-ds-es, -shes,
-dy-) noun
plural caducei (-s-)
1. a. A herald's wand or staff,
especially in ancient times. b. Greek
Mythology. A winged staff with two serpents twined around it, carried
by
Hermes.
2. An insignia modeled on
Hermes' staff and used as the symbol of the medical profession.
[Latin cdceus, alteration of
Greek karukeion, from karux, herald.]
- caducean (-s-en, -shen)
adjective
caduceus
caduceus, wing-topped staff,
wound about by two snakes, carried by HERMES. In earlier cultures,
notably the Babylonian, the intertwined
snakes symbolized fertility, wisdom, and healing. The staff was
carried by Greek officials and became a Roman symbol for truce and
neutrality. Since the 16th cent. it has served as a symbol of
medicine; it is the insignia of the medical branch of the U.S. army.
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series _Lost_ (avi)
(2004-2010) - Dharma Initiative Staff Station
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