1. plural of catholicon; a universal remedy or cure-all for diseases or problems
Usage: archaic; often used figuratively

Examples

• Medieval physicians believed certain herbs were catholicons that could treat any ailment.
• The politician claimed his new policy was a catholicon for the nation's economic troubles.
• Doctors no longer search for catholicons; modern medicine treats specific conditions with targeted therapies.
• Some people view education as a catholicon for social problems.
• The alchemists sought catholicons that would cure plague and extend life indefinitely.