adhesive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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'.
Simple“You need a strong adhesive to fix the tiles to the bathroom wall.”
In context“The aerospace industry requires a specialised adhesive that can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without losing its structural integrity.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes something that is able to stick to other things.
adj.tending to adhere or cause adhesion; possessing the quality of stickiness.
Simple“The back of the postage stamp has an adhesive coating.”
In context“The researchers developed an adhesive film inspired by the microscopic hairs on a gecko's feet, allowing it to cling to smooth glass.”
“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.”
From French adhésif, from Medieval Latin adhaesivus, from adhaereō (supine adhaesum); see adhere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.