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aloe vera

Syllabification: (al·oe ver·a)

Pronunciation: /ˈalō ˈverə, ˈvi(ə)rə/

Definition of aloe vera

noun

1a gelatinous substance obtained from a kind of aloe, used especially in cosmetics as an emollient and for the treatment of burns.

2the plant that yields aloe vera, grown chiefly in the Caribbean area and the southern US.
- Aloe vera, family Liliaceae (or Aloaceae)

Origin:

early 20th century: modern Latin, literally 'true aloe', probably in contrast to the American agave, which closely resembles aloe vera: both plants were formerly classified together in the lily family