kəˈd(y)üs(h)ēəs noun
( plural ca·du·cei -s(h)ēˌī)
Etymology: Latin caduceus, caduceum, modification of Greek (Doric) karykeion (Attic kērykeion ) herald's staff, from karyx (Attic kēryx ) herald; akin to Old English hrēth glory, Old High German hruod-, Old Norse hrōthr praise, Gothic hrotheigs triumphant, Sanskrit carkṛti praise
1. : the symbolic staff of a herald ; specifically : a conventionalized representation of a staff with two snakes curled around it and with two wings at the top
2. : an insignia consisting of or bearing a caduceus: as
a. : one of the symbols of a physician — compare staff of aesculapius
b. : the emblem of a medical corps or department of the armed services (as of the United States Army)