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

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.

1. Relating to adhesion.

Other Word Forms

• adhesively adverb
• adhesiveness noun
• nonadhesive adjective
• nonadhesively adverb
• nonadhesiveness noun
• semiadhesive adjective
• semiadhesively adverb
• semiadhesiveness noun
• unadhesive adjective
• unadhesively adverb
• unadhesiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adhesive¹

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

Example Sentences

The colorless gas is also used to make chemicals found in products such as antifreeze, detergents, plastics and adhesives.

From Los Angeles Times

But when I finally figured out where the plaque was supposed to be, I found a shallow slot strewn with trash and the remnants of the adhesive that once kept the plaque in its place.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of her experimentation, everyone at Infinite Flow now uses the same adhesive.

From Los Angeles Times

They liked hearing Tim Cowlishaw talking about the Dallas Cowboys with adhesive tape still sticking to his shoes from his previous day’s walk through the Cowboys locker room.

From Los Angeles Times

As they examined him, applying a skin adhesive to address the problem, the television broadcast zoomed in on streaks of blood covering the backside of his pants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gummy 
• sticky