Definition

Noun: 1. The dried bark of certain South American cinchona trees, used historically as a source of quinine and other alkaloids for medicinal purposes. It is specifically known for its use in treating malaria and fevers.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In the 17th century, Peruvian bark was introduced to Europe as a specific remedy for malaria.
  • The bitter taste of the infusion came from the ground Peruvian bark.
  • Before synthetic drugs, the only effective treatment for malaria was Peruvian bark.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term is primarily used in historical, medical, or botanical contexts to refer to the original source of quinine before its chemical isolation. It is less common in modern clinical language.
  • The history of Peruvian bark is intertwined with European colonialism and the search for fever cures.

Variants and Related Words

• Cinchona bark: A more precise botanical synonym.
• Jesuit's bark: A historical synonym referencing the religious order that facilitated its early distribution in Europe.
• Quinine: The primary antimalarial alkaloid extracted from Peruvian bark.
• Cinchona: The genus of trees from which the bark is harvested.

Synonyms

• Cinchona bark
• Jesuit's bark (historical)

Related Terms and Phrases

• Fever bark: Another descriptive, informal name referencing its primary medicinal use.
• Source of quinine: A descriptive phrase defining its most significant property.

Noun

1. medicinal bark of cinchona trees; source of quinine and quinidine