What is a "panacea"?

A "panacea" refers to a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; essentially, it is a cure-all. The term originates from the Greek word "panakeia," which means "all-healing." In a broader context, it is often used metaphorically to describe something that people believe can resolve all problems, whether in a medical, social, or political sense.

In contrast, the other options present more limited or specific ideas. The first option suggests a treatment for a specific disease, which does not capture the broad, overarching concept of a panacea. The third option refers to an ineffective medicine, which is directly opposed to the notion of a remedy that can cure all ailments. The last option describes a medical condition, which is unrelated to the idea of remedy or solution embedded in the term panacea. Therefore, option B is accurately aligned with the meaning of the word, encapsulating its essence as a universal remedy or solution.