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epoxy

[ih-pok-see, ih-pok-]Chemistry
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adjective
  1. having the structure of an epoxide.
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noun, plural ep·ox·ies.
  1. Also called epoxy resin. any of a class of resins derived by polymerization from epoxides: used chiefly in adhesives, coatings, electrical insulation, solder mix, and castings.
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verb (used with object), ep·ox·ied, ep·ox·y·ing.
  1. to bond (two materials) by means of an epoxy resin.
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Origin of epoxy

First recorded in 1915–20; ep- + oxy-2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

adhesive, plaster, mud, sand, size, gum, concrete, binder, bond, solder, glue, paste, mucilage, gunk, tar, birdlime, sealant, mortar, lime, putty

Examples from the Web for epoxy

Historical Examples

  • Epoxy missile resin—used for plastic tooling, metal bonding, adhesive, and casting and laminating applications.

    The Practical Values of Space Exploration

    Committee on Science and Astronautics

  • Made of epoxy resin glass-fiber material, treated to look like wood.

    Border, Breed Nor Birth

    Dallas McCord Reynolds

British Dictionary definitions for epoxy

epoxy

adjective chem
  1. of, consisting of, or containing an oxygen atom joined to two different groups that are themselves joined to other groupsepoxy group
  2. of, relating to, or consisting of an epoxy resin
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noun plural epoxies
  1. short for epoxy resin
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Word Origin

C20: from epi- + oxy- ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for epoxy

n.

1916, in reference to certain chemical compounds, from epi- + first element of oxygen (epoxy- is used as a prefix in chemistry). Resins from them are used as powerful glues. Hence the verb meaning "to bond with epoxy" (1965). Related: Epoxied.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
epoxy in Medicine

epoxy

(ĭ-pŏk′sē)
n.
  1. Any of various usually thermosetting resins capable of forming tight cross-linked polymer structures characterized by toughness, strong adhesion, and low shrinkage, used especially in surface coatings and adhesives.
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adj.
  1. Containing an oxygen atom bound to two different atoms linked in some other way, especially a compound containing a ring formed by one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
epoxy in Science

epoxy

[ĭ-pŏk′sē]
  1. Any of various artificial resins made of chains of epoxide rings. Epoxies are tough, very adhesive, and resistant to chemicals. They are used to make protective coatings and glues. Also called epoxy resin
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
epoxy in Culture

epoxy

[(i-pok-see)]

A high-strength adhesive, often made of two different materials that must be mixed together just prior to use.

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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.