Main Entry: ca·du·ceus

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈdü-sē-əs, -ˈdyü-, -shəs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ca·du·cei \-sē-ˌī\

Etymology: Latin, modification of Greek karykeion, from karyx, kēryx herald; akin to Sanskrit kāru singer

Date: 1577

1 : the symbolic staff of a herald; specifically : a representation of a staff with two entwined snakes and two wings at the top
2 : an insignia bearing a caduceus and symbolizing a physician

[caduceus illustration]