Meaning & use
Aesculapius
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Meanings
proper nounproperreligion
The Roman name for the god of healing and medicine, known to the Greeks as Asclepius.
Grammar: Capitalized; no plural.
Patterns
- the temple of Aesculapius
- the staff of Aesculapius
Sick pilgrims slept in the temple of Aesculapius hoping for a cure.
A statue of Aesculapius stood in the hospital garden.
Doctors once swore an oath to Aesculapius.
proper nounproper
A figure used as a symbol of medicine, shown with a staff entwined by a single snake.
Grammar: Used in discussions of medical symbols.
Patterns
- the rod of Aesculapius
The rod of Aesculapius is used on many medical emblems.
Her pendant showed the snake and staff of Aesculapius.
Common combinations
- the rod of Aesculapius
- The rod of Aesculapius is a symbol of healing.
- the staff of Aesculapius
- The ambulance bears the staff of Aesculapius.
- temple of Aesculapius
- The temple of Aesculapius was a place of cure.
- son of Apollo
- In myth, Aesculapius was a son of Apollo.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Asclepius
- Asclepius is the Greek name for the same god, while Aesculapius is the Latinized form used by Romans.
Word family
- Asclepius proper noun
- the Greek form of the god's name
- Asclepiad noun
- a physician, or a follower of Asclepius
- Aesculapian adjective
- relating to medicine or physicians
Commonly confused: Aesculapius or caduceus?
Aesculapius vs caduceus
The caduceus is a staff with two snakes and wings, which belongs to Hermes, while Aesculapius carries a staff with a single snake.
Practice
Which symbol is linked to Aesculapius?
Choose one answer.
Aesculapius is shown with a single snake on his staff. The two snakes and wings belong to the caduceus of Hermes.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Aesculapius”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.