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REFERENCE

glue

n. · v.
US //ˈɡɫu// UK //ɡlˈuː// glue
  1. 1 adhesive substance (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a sticky substance that you use to join two things together.

    a sticky substance, such as a gelatin or synthetic polymer, used as an adhesive to join surfaces.

    Example

    He used a strong glue to fix the broken handle on his favorite mug.

    Example

    The carpenter applied a thin layer of wood glue to the joints before clamping the chair frame together for the night.
  2. 2 figurative bond (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that keeps people or things together in a strong way.

    a figurative force or shared interest that binds individuals or groups together.

    Example

    In many families, the grandmother is the glue that keeps everyone together.

    Example

    Shared values and a common history often act as the social glue that prevents a community from fracturing during times of crisis.
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  1. 3 plant secretion (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Botany

    a sticky liquid found on the surface of some plants.

    a viscid or mucilaginous secretion produced on the surface of certain botanical species.

    Example

    The insect got stuck in the sticky glue on the plant's leaves.

    Example

    Certain carnivorous plants produce a specialized glue to trap unsuspecting insects on their glandular hairs.
  2. 4 to stick things together (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to join two things using a sticky substance.

    to join or attach surfaces using an adhesive agent. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

    Example

    The children spent the afternoon gluing colorful shapes onto their posters.

    Example

    The technician carefully glued the delicate sensor to the hull of the aircraft to ensure accurate data collection during the flight.
  3. 5 to watch closely (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to look at something with all your attention, as if you cannot move away.

    to fix one's attention or gaze steadily on something. Often used in the passive voice or with reflexive pronouns.

    Example

    The kids were glued to the TV while their favorite cartoon was on.

    Example

    During the final minutes of the championship game, every spectator in the stadium was glued to the giant screen awaiting the referee's decision.
    • fixate
    • rivet
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gleyH- Proto-Indo-European *glóh₁ytn̥ Proto-Italic *gloiten Latin glūten Late Latin glūs Old French glubor. Middle English glew English glue From Middle English glew, glue, from Old French glu (“glue, birdlime”), from Late Latin glūs (stem glūt-), from Latin glūten. Related to clay. Partially displaced native Old English līm (“glue”) and ġelīman (“to glue”) (whence modern lime).

Idioms2 entries

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