# epoxy

/ɪˈpɑksi/ (US) · /ɪpˈɒksi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. strong adhesive or resin

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a powerful glue or coating made by mixing two liquids together until they turn into a hard, durable plastic.

For teachers: a thermosetting polyepoxide resin used chiefly in high-performance adhesives, industrial coatings, and composite materials.

- He used a two-part epoxy to fix the broken handle on the ceramic mug.
- The contractor applied a thick layer of industrial epoxy to the warehouse floor to ensure it could withstand heavy machinery and chemical spills.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun for the substance or a countable noun for a specific product type.

### 2. to glue with resin

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to stick things together using epoxy glue.

For teachers: to bond, seal, or coat a surface using an epoxy resin.

- The carpenter decided to epoxy the joints for extra strength.
- After the structural repairs were complete, the engineers epoxied the carbon fibre sheets to the bridge supports to prevent further corrosion.

Usage: A transitive verb that takes a direct object representing the item being bonded or coated.

### 3. made of or containing epoxy

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes something made from or containing this strong plastic resin.

For teachers: pertaining to or derived from an epoxide; used to describe materials or components containing epoxy resin.

- The boat has an epoxy coating to protect the wood from salt water.
- The laboratory was fitted with epoxy countertops because they are resistant to heat and most corrosive chemicals.

## Examples

- I used epoxy to fix the broken table leg.
- The contractor applied a thick layer of industrial epoxy to the garage floor to prevent oil stains and cracks.
- Modern aerospace engineering relies on advanced epoxy resins to bond composite materials, ensuring the structural integrity of the aircraft while significantly reducing its overall weight.

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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.