1. Plural of asclepiad; a metrical line or verse form used in classical poetry, consisting of a spondee, two or three choriambi, and an iambus.
Usage: literary; classical poetry; technical term in prosody
2. Plural of asclepiad; descendants or followers of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.
Usage: historical; mythology

Examples

• The poet employed asclepiads in the composition of his ode.
• Classical scholars study asclepiads to understand ancient Greek metrical patterns.
• The asclepiads were said to be the priestly healers of ancient Greece.
• In prosody, asclepiads represent one of the more complex verse forms.
• The temple was dedicated to the asclepiads who served as physicians.