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Definition of aesculapian snake
aesculapian snake
Plural:aesculapian snakes
aesculapian snake Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A large, non-venomous colubrid snake (Zamenis longissimus) native to Europe, characterized by its dark, slender body, climbing ability, and historical significance as a symbol of healing in Greco-Roman antiquity.
Example
"During the archaeological dig near the ancient ruins, the researchers spotted an Aesculapian snake basking on the sun-warmed stones."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named after Aesculapius (or Asclepius), the ancient Greco-Roman god of healing and medicine. The species was commonly kept in temples dedicated to him, and it is famously the snake depicted entwined around the Rod of Asclepius, the traditional symbol of medicine.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aesculapian snake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aesculapian snake