What does "aloe" mean?
The resins of the tree Aquilaria malaccensis (syn. Aquilaria agallocha), known for their fragrant aroma, produced after infection by the fungus Phialophora parasitica.
Aloe
/ˈæ.loʊ/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The resins of the tree Aquilaria malaccensis (syn. Aquilaria agallocha), known for their fragrant aroma, produced after infection by the fungus Phialophora parasitica.
- Grammar: aloe is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aloe plant, aloe shrub, aloe succulent.
- Usage evidence: The thick leaves of an Aloe vera plant contain a clear gel, which is used to store water.
How to use "aloe"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "aloe" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "aloe" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "aloe" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "aloe" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "aloe" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aloe plant" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "aloe", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The resins of the tree Aquilaria malaccensis (syn. Aquilaria agallocha), known for their fragrant aroma, produced after infection by the fungus Phialophora parasitica. in-plural
- 2 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in Africa wordnet
- 3 Any plant of the large and variable genus Aloe.
"1885 Ferdinand von Mueller: Select Extra-tropical Plants, Readily Eligible For Industrial Culture Or Naturalization. pub: Melbourne: J. Ferres Aloe ferox, Miller. South-Africa. This species yields the best Cape-aloes, as observed by Dr. Pappe. The simply inspissated juice of the leaves of the various species of the genus constitutes the aloe-drug. It is best obtained by using neither heat nor pressure for extracting the sap. By re-dissolving the aqueous part of Aloes in cold water, and reducing the liquid through boiling or other processes of exsiccation to dryness, the extract of aloes is prepared. The bitter sap, used for dressing wounds, keeps off flies very effectually. It deserves introduction particularly in veterinary practice."
- 4 Misnomer for any large, vaguely aloe-like plant, such as Agave
"In mercy I put a bullet through his skull, and he fell sprawling among the aloes."
- 5 A strong, bitter drink made from the juice of such plants, used as a purgative.
Synonyms
All synonyms aloe plantaloe shrubaloe succulent
Example
"The thick leaves of an Aloe vera plant contain a clear gel, which is used to store water."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "aloe"?
Common synonyms include: aloe plant, aloe shrub, aloe succulent.
How do you use "aloe" in a sentence?
The thick leaves of an Aloe vera plant contain a clear gel, which is used to store water.
How do you pronounce "aloe"?
Pronounced /ˈæ.loʊ/.
Etymology
From Old English alwe (“fragrant resin of an East Indian tree”), from Latin aloē, from Ancient Greek ᾰ̓λόη (ălóē), from Hebrew אָהָל (ʾāhāl) or related Aramaic forms, ultimately from Tamil அகில் (akil); reinforced in Middle English by Old French aloes.