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catholicon

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˈkæθəˌlɪkən//

KK: /kæθəˈlɪkən/

noun
Definition

A solution or remedy that is believed to cure all problems or diseases.


Example

Many people hope to find a catholicon for their health issues.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term catholicon?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it means a universal remedy for everything, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's interesting how people search for a catholicon for their problems.
Sloth B
I guess sometimes we just need to focus on practical solutions instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
panacea
elixir
remedy
Antonyms
poison
disease
affliction
Root Explanation

Catholicon is derived from the Greek "katholikos" (meaning universal) and the suffix "-on" (often used in nouns). The term originally referred to something that is universal or general, particularly in a religious context, as it relates to the whole body of the church.

Memory Tip

Think of 'universal' ('katholikos') to remember that 'catholicon' refers to something that is general or applicable to all, especially in a religious sense.

Visually Confused Words
acatholic
acantholimon
uncatholic
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