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epoxy

American  
[ih-pok-see] / ɪˈpɒk si /

adjective

  1. having the structure of an epoxide.

noun

plural

epoxies

  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.

verb (used with object)

epoxied, epoxying

  1. to bond (two materials) by means of an epoxy resin.

epoxy British  
/ ɪˈpɒksɪ /

adjective

  1. of, consisting of, or containing an oxygen atom joined to two different groups that are themselves joined to other groups

    epoxy group

  2. of, relating to, or consisting of an epoxy resin

"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

noun

  1. short for epoxy resin

"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
epoxy Scientific  
/ 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.

  2. Also called epoxy resin

epoxy Cultural  

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

Etymology

Origin of epoxy

First recorded in 1915–20; ep- + oxy- 2

Explanation

Epoxy is a very strong type of glue. Epoxy is used in the construction of airplanes and cars, among other things. While epoxy can be used for a variety of substances made of a certain chemical compound, from paints to plastics, it most commonly means an industrial-strength adhesive. Epoxy is so sticky and so strong that it can hold together the parts of a boat or a bicycle, and keep the fin of a surfboard attached, even in the water. The word epoxy combines epi-, "in addition" and oxy, from oxygen.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Avcoat is a mix of silica fibers, phenolic microballoons, and epoxy resin that chars and erodes, removing heat away.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Made from sleek ceramic epoxy over fiberglass, the stacked dishes are piled tilting this way and that.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Before returning to Camden in late May, the ship will have been sprayed with six coats of epoxy in three distinct colors — layering that will help museum officials track the underwater erosion process.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024

Mr. Hawthorne, the buyer in Nevada, said he was able to negotiate a new washer and dryer and epoxy flooring in his garage.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2024

The walls were painted with thick, gobby epoxy paint, and all the electrical outlets were plugged around the edges with a gooey material.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.