caduceus
pronunciation
How to pronounce caduceus in British English:
UK [kə'dju:sɪəs]
How to pronounce caduceus in American English:
US [kə'djusɪrs]
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- Noun:
- an insignia used by the medical profession; modeled after the staff of Hermes
Word Origin
- caduceus (n.)
- 1590s, from Latin caduceus, alteration of Doric Greek karykeion "herald's staff," from karyx (genitive karykos) "a herald," from PIE *karu-, from root *kar- "to praise loudly, extol" (cognates: Sanskrit carkarti "mentions with praise," Old English hreð "fame, glory"). Token of a peaceful embassy; originally an olive branch. Especially the wand carried by Mercury, messenger of the gods, usually represented with two serpents twined round it.
Example
- 1. They 're black and gold and sport the caduceus , the symbol of the medical profession .
- 2. Probably originating in mesopotamia , the caduceus found its way eastward to india and westward into the mediterranean .
- 3. He was usually portrayed wearing winged sandals and carrying a caduceus entwined by serpents . He could fly freely in the sky like thoughts .
- 4. The association of physicians with thievery through the adoption of hermes caduceus as a medical symbol is undoubtedly undesirable and only those cynics who accuse physicians of an excessive interest in making money may find it appropriate .
- 5. Unfortunately , there is one final significance of the caduceus that should appeal to no one and is horrifying when connected to the medical profession , for it was the duty of hermes , caduceus in hand , to lead the souls of the dead to the underworld .