vera

IPA/vˈiəɹə/
KK[vˈɛrə]IPA/vˈɛrə/

vera — noun

1. This word does not function as an independent English word with a standalone mea

1.nounB1
Definition

This word does not function as an independent English word with a standalone meaning. It is found only as part of the compound 'aloe vera', which refers to a succulent plant whose leaves contain a gel-like liquid used to soothe skin burns and irritations.

Example

Naomi applied aloe vera gel to her sunburned shoulders after a day at the beach.

compound: aloe vera gel

Many moisturisers list aloe vera as one of their main ingredients.

compound: aloe vera

Usage Note

Vera is not a word that can be used alone in English. It appears only in the compound aloe vera (the plant name). As a capitalised proper noun, Vera is a feminine given name (e.g. the actress Vera Farmiga) — but that is a name, not a vocabulary word with a dictionary meaning. Do not try to use 'vera' by itself to refer to the plant or its gel; always say 'aloe vera'.

Common Mistakes

I put vera on my skin.
I put aloe vera on my skin.
'vera' is never used alone to mean the plant or gel.

Word family

  • aloe vera
    nounB1

Etymology

LatinRussianEnglish

'Vera' comes from Latin 'vērus' meaning 'true'. The plant name 'aloe vera' literally means 'true aloe', given to distinguish the medicinal species from other aloe plants. As a personal name, 'Vera' entered English from Russian 'Вера' (Vera), meaning 'faith', and also from the Latin word for 'true'.