noun
- stones or fossils formerly believed to be found in the heads of toads and thought to have magical or medicinal properties
- fossil teeth of certain fish, especially ray-finned fish, that were mistakenly thought to come from toads
Usage: historical; archaic
Usage: geological; historical
Examples
- Medieval physicians believed toadstones could cure poisoning.
- The merchant sold supposed toadstones as protective amulets.
- Modern paleontologists identified the toadstones as fossilized fish teeth.
- Collectors once paid high prices for authentic toadstones.
- The museum display explained how toadstones were actually geological specimens.
- Ancient texts described toadstones as having supernatural healing powers.