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

You can also slip the magnet between your phone and phone case and forgo an adhesive.

From Outside Online

To set up the MagicMount, you first attach its plastic base to your dash with a peel-back adhesive.

From Outside Online

Be aware the adhesive backing will not adhere to textured surfaces.

From Popular-Science

This plastic case is equipped with 100 first aid resources, including six antiseptic towelettes, 12 alcohol wipes, and 30 adhesive bandages.

From Popular-Science

Worn like an adhesive bandage, this skin patch looks simple on the outside.

From Science News For Students

Then, the merkin is applied with an adhesive; Ledermann uses a matte substance by Telesis.

From The Daily Beast

Have you ever seen 11 players with a relationship so adhesive to the ball?

From The Daily Beast

This work fascinates children, and as the stars are adhesive, it can be done in class with very little trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

In the case of a sprained ankle a properly applied adhesive strap bandage will give no end of relief and support.

From Project Gutenberg

The tape Mac used to insure his connection had an asbestos base, with adhesive gum insinuated into the tape.

From Project Gutenberg

The side of the box showed that it had been made adhesive, for the sake of security, to another substance.

From Project Gutenberg

Virgil refers to it as a "glue more adhesive than bird-lime and the pitch of Phrygian Ida."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gummy
• sticky