aloe

plural aloes · alternative aloë

1. in pluralThe resins of the tree Aquilaria malaccensis (syn. Aquilaria agallocha), known for their fragrant aroma, produced after infection by the fungus Phialophora parasitica.
2. Any plant of the large and variable genus Aloe.

   '…you know how difficult it is to break yourself of a habit.' 'Yes,' said Cyril; 'Jane used to bite her nails.' 'But I broke myself of it,' urged Jane, rather hurt, 'You know I did.' 'Not till they put bitter aloes on them,' said Cyril.

   1904, E. Nesbit, The Phoenix and the Carpet

   1 more example

   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.

3. 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.

   1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC

4. A strong, bitter drink made from the juice of such plants, used as a purgative.