Peru

Peru proper n

uncertain origin; possibly < Sp. BirĂº or PerĂº River < Guarani biru or piru, water, river; or, possibly from a chief named Piru who fought against the Spanish conquerors.

  1. South American nation; former Inca empire in the Andes; producer of colorful intricately-woven textiles; [fig.] riches; power; royalty.
  2. Colony; territory; holding; domain; realm; valuable land; [fig.] life.
  3. Exotic place; [personification] valuable friend; treasured human companion.