aloe vera

noun \ -ˈver-ə , -ˈvir- \

|Updated on: 24 Jul 2018

Definition of aloe vera

: an aloe (Aloe barbadensis synonym A. vera) whose leaves furnish a gelatinous emollient extract used especially in cosmetics and skin creams; also : such an extract or a preparation composed primarily of such an extract

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Examples of aloe vera in a Sentence

a skin cream that contains aloe vera

Recent Examples of aloe vera from the Web

Beyond haircuts, shaves and beard trims, Castellon offers a botanical wash that starts with raw aloe vera hand-muddled in a molcajete.

— maggie menderski, The Courier-Journal, "NuLu's new barbershop is keeping patrons as fresh as the neighborhood," 10 July 2018
Still willing to settle for some good ol' aloe vera gel from the drugstore (and a little more diligence with your sunscreen reapplication next time)?

— samantha sasso, refinery29.com, "Could CBD Be The Answer To Summer's Worst Side Effect?," 30 June 2018
Toppings include aloe vera, red bean, jellies and ice cream along with the standard boba tapioca pearls.

— benjy egel, sacbee, "Berkeley-based boba shop with Davis store to open in Downtown Commons," 25 June 2018
Once a burn is completely cooled, apply a lotion, such as one that contains aloe vera or a moisturizer.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July: What to do if you get burned by a firework," 4 July 2018
Developed by New Zealand holistic trichologist Nigel Russell, this natural botanical line comes in eco-friendly packaging and is made with aloe vera and manuka honey, which is known for its soothing and antibacterial properties.

— rachel marlowe, Vogue, "This All-Green Apothecary in New Zealand Is Worth a Trek Across the Globe," 29 May 2018
Make a hydrating facial toner by mixing 2 ounces aloe vera juice and 18 drops geranium oil in a spray bottle.

— allison young, Good Housekeeping, "6 Best Essential Oils To Help You On Your Summer Travels," 7 July 2017
Plus, the stick is made with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and argan oil, which soften skin while illuminating, too.

— refinery29.com, "Pat McGrath Shares Her Runway Highlighting Technique," 13 June 2018
Pure aloe vera gel — whether out of a bottle or straight from the plant — contains cooling and soothing properties.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of a Sunburn ASAP," 17 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of aloe vera

New Latin, species name, from Aloe + Latin vera, feminine of verus true — more at ²very

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First Known Use: 1766

in the meaning defined above

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ALOE VERA Defined for English Language Learners

aloe vera

noun

Definition of aloe vera for English Language Learners

: a thick liquid that is produced by a kind of aloe plant and used in medicines, cosmetics, etc.; also : the plant that produces this liquid

Medical Dictionary

aloe vera

noun \ -ˈver-ə , -ˈvir- \

medical Definition of aloe vera

1 : a plant of the genus Aloe (A. barbadensis synonym A. vera) whose leaves furnish a gelatinous emollient extract used especially in cosmetics and skin creams

2 : an extract of the aloe vera plant; also : a preparation composed predominantly of such an extract