Word
adhesive
Phoneticsad·he·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/ædˈhisɪv/
UK/ɐdhˈiːsɪv/
Definitions
01glue or bonding agent
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a substance, such as glue or paste, that you use to make two surfaces stick together.
n. a substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. The term is often preferred in technical or industrial contexts over 'glue'.
“You need a strong adhesive to fix the tiles to the bathroom wall.”
“The aerospace industry requires a specialised adhesive that can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without losing its structural integrity.”
02sticky
B2 · Upper Intermediate Technical
adj. describes something that is able to stick to other things.
adj. tending to adhere or cause adhesion; possessing the quality of stickiness.
Español:adhesivo
“The back of the postage stamp has an adhesive coating.”
“The researchers developed an adhesive film inspired by the microscopic hairs on a gecko's feet, allowing it to cling to smooth glass.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Its droplets contain proteins, water, salts and small molecules that help the adhesive remain soft and tacky.” “Safe adhesives, like lash glue, will keep it in place.” Etymology
From French adhésif, from Medieval Latin adhaesivus, from adhaereō (supine adhaesum); see adhere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/adhesive
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0