aloe

noun al·oe \ ˈa-(ˌ)lō \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Definition of aloe

1 aloes plural : agarwood

2 a : any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

b : the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative —usually used in plural but singular in construction

c : aloe vera

See aloe defined for English-language learners

See aloe defined for kids

Recent Examples of aloe from the Web

Warm stones and cleansing muds using sage, aloe, rosemary and jojoba growing naturally in the environment add to the serene experience.

— brian sodoma, azcentral, "World-class Tucson spas more than skin-deep experiences," 31 May 2018
The aloe plants which Piet lovingly tends represent much more than growth and change.

— christopher arnott, courant.com, "Apartheid Drama "A Lesson From Aloes" At Hartford Stage Has Powerful, Relevant Message," 29 May 2018
And now, aloe and hopefully goodbye to sunburn pain.

— amy bartner, Indianapolis Star, "Sunburns: Race weekend's top lobsters," 29 May 2018
Its watergel formula swaps in drying alcohols for vitamin E, vitamin P, broccoli, aloe leaf extract and UVA/UVB filter microspheres.

— shelbie lynn bostedt, RedEye Chicago, "Get summer ready with these beach essentials," 11 June 2017
For dry skin, choose a hydrating cream with ingredients like glycerin or aloe. 9.

— natalie gontcharova, Good Housekeeping, "11 Mistakes You Make With Sunscreen," 24 Apr. 2014
Yuccas have fearsome leaf tips; aloes and agaves offer softer rosettes of foliage.

— adrian higgins, sacbee, "Container culture – these pots do lots | The Sacramento Bee," 11 May 2018
Each sheet mask is packed with hydrating aloe and natural extracts to make your skin glow.

— chazz inniss, PEOPLE.com, "Dermstore Is Having a Secret Sale Right Now - Here Are the Best Beauty Products to Shop," 13 Apr. 2018
Then there's good ol' aloe, which may promote the healing of first- and second-degree burns, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Your Sunburn Cure Has Been in Your Fridge All Along: It's Cold Milk!," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aloe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of aloe

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, dried juice of aloe leaves, from Greek aloē

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

ALOE Defined for English Language Learners

aloe

noun

Definition of aloe for English Language Learners

: a tropical plant that has heavy leaves which produce a thick liquid used in medicines, cosmetics, etc.

Medical Dictionary

aloe

noun al·oe \ ˈal-(ˌ)ō \

medical Definition of aloe

1 capitalized : a large genus of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

2 : a plant of the genus Aloe

3 : the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative and tonic —usually used in plural but singular in construction

4 : aloe vera 2