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Definition of adhesive

adhesive

/ædˈhiː.sɪv/
ad · he · sive
Adverb:adhesively
•
Plural:adhesives
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adhesive Lexical Profile

adhesive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Able or designed to stick fast to a surface or object; sticky.

Example

"The nurse secured the sterile gauze pad with a strip of adhesive tape."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A substance, such as glue, paste, or cement, used for sticking objects or materials together.

Example

"The carpenter applied a waterproof adhesive to join the wooden panels securely."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for adhesive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for adhesive

• Rhymes for adhesive

• Nearby Words

adherence
adherent
adhesion
adhesive
adhesiveness
adieu
adige

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from French adhésif or Medieval Latin adhaesivus, derived from the Latin verb adhaerere ('to stick to'), from ad- ('to') and haerere ('to stick' or 'to cling').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Adhesive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/adhesive
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