Definition

Proper noun * Aesculapius: In Roman mythology, the god of medicine and healing. He is the son of Apollo and is often depicted with a staff entwined by a serpent, a symbol that continues to be associated with medicine.

Usage and Examples

• Aesculapius is used as a name referring to the specific deity.
  • The ancient temple was dedicated to Aesculapius.
  • Physicians in the Roman world sometimes called upon Aesculapius for guidance.

Advanced Usage and Context

• The name Aesculapius is the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Asclepius. The two names refer to the same mythological figure.
• His attributes—the serpent-entwined staff (the Rod of Asclepius)—distinguish him from the caduceus (staff with two snakes and wings), which is associated with the god Hermes/Mercury.

Variants and Related Words

• Asclepius (Proper noun): The Greek name for the same god of medicine.
• Aesculapian (Adjective): Pertaining to Aesculapius or the art of healing.
  • The Aesculapian symbols are still used in medical heraldry.

Synonyms

• Asclepius (the direct Greek synonym)
• God of healing
• God of medicine

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Rod of Asclepius: The single serpent-entwined staff, a symbol of medicine.
• Cult of Asclepius: The religious following and healing rituals associated with the god in the ancient world.

Noun

1. son of Apollo; a hero and the Roman god of medicine and healing; his daughters were Hygeia and Panacea