adhesive
[ ad-hee-siv, -ziv ]
/ ædˈhi sɪv, -zɪv /
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.
Origin of adhesive
First recorded in 1660–70;
adhes(ion) +
-ive
OTHER WORDS FROM adhesive
Words nearby adhesive
Example sentences from the Web for adhesive
British Dictionary definitions for adhesive
adhesive
/ (ədˈhiːsɪv) /
adjective
able or designed to adhere; sticky
adhesive tape
tenacious or clinging
noun
a substance used for sticking objects together, such as glue, cement, or paste
Derived forms of adhesive
adhesively, adverb adhesiveness, nounMedical definitions for adhesive
adhesive
[ ăd-hē′sĭv ]
adj.
Tending to adhere; sticky.
Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an adhesion.
n.
A substance that adheres to a surface or causes adherence between surfaces.
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.