adhesive
[ ad-hee-siv, -ziv ]
/ ædˈhi sɪv, -zɪv /
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adjective
coated with glue, paste, mastic, or other sticky substance: adhesive bandages.
sticking fast; sticky; clinging.
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
a substance that causes something to adhere, as glue or rubber cement.
Philately. a postage stamp with a gummed back, as distinguished from one embossed or printed on an envelope or card.
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Origin of adhesive
First recorded in 1660–70; adhes(ion) + -ive
OTHER WORDS FROM adhesive
Words nearby adhesive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for adhesive
British Dictionary definitions for adhesive
adhesive
/ (ədˈhiːsɪv) /
adjective
able or designed to adhere; stickyadhesive tape
tenacious or clinging
noun
a substance used for sticking objects together, such as glue, cement, or paste
Derived forms of adhesive
adhesively, adverbadhesiveness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for adhesive
adhesive
[ ăd-hē′sĭv ]
adj.
Tending to adhere; sticky.
Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an adhesion.
n.
A substance that adheres to a surface or causes adherence between surfaces.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for adhesive
adhesive
[ ăd-hē′sĭv ]
Noun
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
Relating to adhesion.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.