- Today's Word
Panacea
pan-uh-SEE-uh
Definition
- (noun) A solution or remedy for all problems, difficulties, or diseases; a universal cure.
Example
While renewable energy is a significant step forward, it is not a panacea for all environmental challenges.
Fun Fact
“Panacea” originates from the Greek word panakeia, which combines pan- (“all”) and akos (“remedy”). In Greek mythology, Panacea was the goddess of healing and daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine. The term entered English during the 16th century to describe the mythical “universal cure” sought by alchemists and physicians. Although no such cure exists, the word has endured as a metaphor for overly simplistic solutions to complex problems.
(noun) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”