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

Up and down the Barteljorisstraat, shop owners were out on the sidewalk; there was an unaccustomed neighborhood feel as advice, rolls of adhesive, and tales of the night’s terror passed from door to door.

From Literature

The mechanism works by moving an adhesive coated belt around the outside of the cell, pulling the bacterium forward in a motion that resembles a microscopic snowmobile.

From Science Daily

I stare at the two halves, which aren’t going to stick together without some kind of adhesive I don’t have.

From Literature

"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

Related Words

• gummy
• sticky