noun
Uncommon
adhesive
uhd-HEE-sihv
Adhesive (noun) means a substance, such as glue, used to stick things together. Example: “Use a strong adhesive to fix the tile back in place.”
noun
1
A substance, such as glue, used to stick things together.
"The company developed a new kind of waterproof adhesive."
"The label wouldn’t stick without strong adhesive."
"They used an adhesive to repair the broken vase."
"Use a strong adhesive to fix the tile back in place."
adjective
1
Sticky; able to stick to a surface.
"The tape has an adhesive backing that peels off easily."
How to use adhesive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething sticky, or a glue-like substance used to bond things together.
Common pairings
adhesive tape
strong adhesive
adhesive backing
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Word forms
- Plural
- adhesives
- Comparative
- more adhesive
- Superlative
- most adhesive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Use a strong _____ to fix the tile back in place.
Etymology
From French adhésif, from Medieval Latin adhaesivus, related to adhere.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for adhesive
See all rhymes for adhesive →Frequently asked questions
What does “adhesive” mean?
The word “adhesive” means a substance, such as glue, used to stick things together. In plain terms, something sticky, or a glue-like substance used to bond things together.
How do you pronounce “adhesive”?
“Adhesive” is pronounced uhd-HEE-sihv (/ədˈhi.sɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “adhesive” in a sentence?
Here is “adhesive” used in a sentence: “Use a strong adhesive to fix the tile back in place.”
What is another word for “adhesive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “adhesive” include tenacious, adherent, agglutinative, clidgy, clingsome and clingy.
What is the opposite of “adhesive”?
The opposite of “adhesive” — its antonyms — are nonadhesive, nonsticking, nonsticky and slippery.
What part of speech is “adhesive”?
Depending on how it is used, “adhesive” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “adhesive” come from?
The word “adhesive” comes from Medieval Latin. From French adhésif, from Medieval Latin adhaesivus, related to adhere.
Is “adhesive” a common word?
“Adhesive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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