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balsam of Peru

noun

balsam of Pe·​ru -pə-ˈrü How to pronounce balsam of Peru (audio)
: a balsam from a tropical American leguminous tree (Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae) used especially as an irritant and to promote wound healing

called also Peru balsam, Peruvian balsam

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Cite this Entry

“Balsam of Peru.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/balsam%20of%20Peru. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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