aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō 

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

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Succulents: coral aloe (Aloe striata), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), yucca. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024

The popular moisturizer is formulated with aloe and hyaluronic acid for hydration, glow, and plumpness, along with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E for brightening and protection against dehydrators. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

This shampoo is specially formulated with a blend of natural ingredients like aloe, oatmeal, and chamomile that work together to soothe your dog's skin, reduce inflammation, and restore its natural pH balance. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

At the spa, the therapist treated my burns with a bespoke massage fusing Palauan remedies with common-sense aloe. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2024

The pink formula contains 30% zinc oxide and other ingredients, including aloe, vitamin E, and clove oil, which help relieve pain. —Brienne Walsh, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024

But Take Note The kids’ deodorant contains natural ingredients, like aloe and sunflower seed oil, that combine to make a gentle texture. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 22 Feb. 2024

Barrel cactuses are planted by fuzzy gray old man hairy cactus, which have a place by climbing aloe or jade or prickly pear cactuses. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024

The unscented aloe formula is packed with nutrients, minerals, and amino acids. —Barbara Bellesi Zito, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aloe

• aloe vera

Kids Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-ō 

1

: any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers

2

: the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic

—usually used in plural

3

: aloe vera

Medical Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō 

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 sense 2