n.
Pronunciation: k ə - ' dü-s ē - ə s, - ' dyü-, -sh ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -cei \ -s ē - ˌ ī \
Etymology: Latin, modification of Greek karykeion, from karyx, k ē ryx herald; akin to Sanskrit k ā ru 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 1