# adhesion

/ædˈhiʒən/ (US) · /ɐdhˈiːʒən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/adhesion
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. sticking to a surface

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the ability of a substance, like glue or tape, to stick to a different surface.

For teachers: the physical property of a substance to stick to an unlike substance through molecular attraction.

- The new glue provides strong adhesion even on wet surfaces.
- Engineers tested the adhesion of the new coating under extreme temperatures to ensure it would not peel away from the metal hull.

### 2. medical tissue growth

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a band of scar tissue that joins two parts of the body together that are usually separate.

For teachers: an abnormal union of surfaces by the formation of new tissue, typically resulting from inflammation or surgical trauma.

- After his stomach surgery, he developed an adhesion that caused some pain.
- Post-operative adhesions can lead to complications such as bowel obstructions if the fibrous bands restrict organ movement.

### 3. grip or friction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the grip that a tyre or shoe has on a surface to prevent sliding.

For teachers: the frictional grip of a body, such as a wheel or shoe, on a surface.

- The rain on the track reduced the car's adhesion, making it hard to turn.
- Locomotives require significant weight over the driving wheels to maintain sufficient adhesion on steep gradients during icy conditions.

### 4. loyalty or support

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the act of continuing to support a particular idea, group, or belief.

For teachers: steady or persistent attachment to a cause, principle, or party.

- The leader thanked the members for their long adhesion to the party's goals.
- The diplomat's unwavering adhesion to the treaty's original terms prevented the negotiations from collapsing during the crisis.

## Examples

- The doctor checked for any adhesion after the surgery.
- The surgeon explained that the patient's chronic pain was caused by an internal adhesion following a previous abdominal operation.
- While surface adhesion is essential for the effectiveness of medical bandages, internal adhesions can lead to significant complications by binding organs together and restricting their natural movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.