adhesive

[ ad-hee-siv, -ziv ]

adjective

1. coated with glue, paste, mastic, or other sticky substance:

   adhesive bandages.

2. sticking fast; sticky; clinging.
3. Physics. of or relating to the molecular force that exists in the area of contact between unlike bodies and that acts to unite them.

noun

1. a substance that causes something to adhere, as glue or rubber cement.
2. adhesive tape.
3. Philately. a postage stamp with a gummed back, as distinguished from one embossed or printed on an envelope or card.

adhesive

/ ədˈhiːsɪv /

adjective

1. able or designed to adhere; sticky

   adhesive tape

2. tenacious or clinging

noun

1. a substance used for sticking objects together, such as glue, cement, or paste

adhesive

/ ăd-hē′sĭv /

Noun

1. A substance, such as paste or cement, that causes two surfaces to stick together. Adhesives are made of gelatin or other substances, such as epoxy, resin, or polyethylene.

Adjective

1. Relating to adhesion.

Derived Forms

• adˈhesively, adverb
• adˈhesiveness, noun

Other Words From

• ad·hesive·ly adverb
• ad·hesive·ness noun
• nonad·hesive adjective
• nonad·hesive·ly adverb
• nonad·hesive·ness noun
• semi·ad·hesive adjective
• semi·ad·hesive·ly adverb
• semi·ad·hesive·ness noun
• unad·hesive adjective
• unad·hesive·ly adverb
• unad·hesive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhesive¹

First recorded in 1660–70; adhes(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

“Their shared laughter at the suffering of others is an adhesive that binds them to one another, and to Trump.”

From Salon

Plummer's and Holland's bail conditions stipulate that they must not carry glue, paint or any adhesive substance in a public place, and must not visit any galleries or museums.

From BBC

"What's more, once the material has been stretched, you can get it to return to its original shape by applying heat. In addition, the surface of the glassy gels is highly adhesive, which is unusual for hard materials."

From Science Daily

"Maybe the most intriguing characteristic of the glassy gels is how adhesive they are," says Dickey.

From Science Daily

"At first, cells stick together through adhesive molecules on their surface -- it's like they're holding hands," explains Brückner.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• gummy
• sticky