Pe*ru"vi*an (?), a. [Cf. F. p'eruvien, Sp. peruviano.]

Of or pertaining to Peru, in South America.

n.

A native or an inhabitant of Peru.

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.

© Webster 1913.