Panacea n 1: (Greek mythology) the goddess of healing; daughter of Aesculapius and sister of Hygeia 2: hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists [syn: {panacea}, {nostrum}, {catholicon}, {cure-all}]
Panacea \Pan`a*ce"a\, n. [L., fr. Gr. pana`keia fr. panakh`s all-healing; pa^s pa^n, all + 'akei^sqai to heal.] [1913 Webster] 1. A remedy for all diseases; a universal medicine; a cure-all; catholicon; hence, a relief or solace for affliction. [1913 Webster] 2. (Bot.) The herb allheal. [1913 Webster]