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adhesive
[ ad-hee-siv, -ziv ]
/ ædˈhi sɪv, -zɪv /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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
adherence, adherend, adherent, adhering, adhesion, adhesive, adhesive bandage, adhesive binding, adhesive plaster, adhesive tape, adhibit
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use adhesive in a sentence
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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
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