adhesive

American  

[ad-hee-siv, -ziv] / ædˈhi sɪv, -zɪv /

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.

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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 British  

/ ədˈhiːsɪv /

adjective

1. able or designed to adhere; sticky

   adhesive tape

2. tenacious or clinging

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noun

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

adhesive Scientific  

/ ăd-hē′sĭv /

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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of adhesive

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

Example Sentences

"Hair has an adhesive quality and the ability to capture certain contaminants," says Mattia Carenini, Global Hubs Director at Matter of Trust.

From Barron's

"I use adhesive strips to stick everything - this ensures I get my deposit back."

From BBC

Athletes start by sprinting uphill with adhesive skins on their skis to provide traction.

From BBC

Fixing one used to mean installing new glass, rubber gaskets and adhesive.

From MarketWatch

He has more customers waiting, attracted by his sign promising repairs "with high professionalism and without adhesive tape".

From BBC

Related Words

• gummy
• sticky