a. [ Cf. F. péruvien, Sp. peruviano. ] Of or pertaining to Peru, in South America. -- n. A native or an inhabitant of Peru. [ 1913 Webster ]
Peruvian balsam. See Balsam of Peru, under Balsam. -- Peruvian bark, the bitter bark of trees of various species of Cinchona. It acts as a powerful tonic, and is a remedy for malarial diseases. This property is due to several alkaloids, as quinine, cinchonine, etc., and their compounds; -- called also Jesuit's bark, and cinchona. See Cinchona. [ 1913 Webster ]