Aloe

Any of a large genus (Aloe) of plants in the lily family, native to Africa, with fleshy leaves that are spiny along the edge and with drooping clusters of tubular, red or yellow flowers.

Al"oe (#), n.; pl. Aloes (#). [L. aloe, Gr. , aloe: cf. OF. aloe, F. aloes.]

1. pl.

The wood of the agalloch.

Wyclif.

2. Bot.

A genus of succulent plants, some classed as trees, others as shrubs, but the greater number having the habit and appearance of evergreen herbaceous plants; from some of which are prepared articles for medicine and the arts. They are natives of warm countries.

3. pl. Med.

The inspissated juice of several species of aloe, used as a purgative.

American aloe, Century aloe, the agave. See Agave.

© Webster 1913.