(es″kyŭ-lā′pē-ŭs )
[L. Aesculapius, fr Gr. Asklēpios ]
The Latin form of Asklēpios, the ancient Greek god of medicine, son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis.
A rod or crude stick with a snake wound around it, signifying the art of healing and adopted as the emblem of some medical organizations, e.g., American Medical Association. Snakes were sacred to Aesculapius because they were believed to have the power to renew their youth by shedding their old skin and growing a new one.
SEE: caduceus