Word of the Day: Aesculapian

Aesculapian

ˌeskəˈlāpēən

ADJECTIVE

Relating to medicine or physicians

ˌEXAMPLE SENTENCES

“Everyone in my family goes to the same doctor because we trust her Aesculapian knowledge.”

“It takes many more years to earn an Aesculapian degree than a bachelor’s degree.”

“I’m a member of the Aesculapian honor society.”

WORD ORIGIN

Latin, late 16th century

WHY THIS WORD?

Greek gods have left their mark all over language (and symbols). The Greek god Asclepius was associated with the healing arts and all things medicinal, and he carried a staff entwined with a snake (the Rod of Asclepius). This staff is still used in medical-related symbols and logos. The adjective “Aesculapian” (capitalized because it’s an eponym), is used probably less commonly than the symbol, but it refers to anything related to medicine or physicians.