Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Peruvian shrub or small tree: A plant species native to South America, characterized by large glossy leaves and clusters of fragrant flowers ranging in color from yellow to green or red.
   • A source of medicinal bark: Cultivated primarily for its bark, which is used to produce quinine, a compound historically vital for treating malaria.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The forest contained several specimens of Cinchona officinalis.
  • Quinine, derived from the bark of Cinchona officinalis, was a crucial antimalarial drug.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and pharmacological contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to this specific species within the genus, often in scientific writing.
  • The study compared the alkaloid content of Cinchona officinalis to other cinchona species.

Variants and Related Words

• Cinchona (n): The genus name for a group of trees and shrubs, several species of which yield quinine.
  • The history of cinchona bark is intertwined with the fight against malaria.
• Quinine (n): A bitter alkaloid extracted from cinchona bark, used as a medication.
  • The taste of tonic water comes from quinine.

Synonyms

• Cinchona tree: A general term for trees of the genus.
• Jesuit's bark: A historical name for cinchona bark.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical, identifying a specific plant species.
• Its historical and economic significance stems almost entirely from its medicinal bark, making it a key term in the history of medicine and global trade.

Noun

1. Peruvian shrub or small tree having large glossy leaves and cymes of fragrant yellow to green or red flowers; cultivated for its medicinal bark