Adhesive Meaning and Definition
Adhesive
Pronunciation
/ədˈhɪsɪv/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A bonding agent that holds materials together or attaches them to other surfaces, often used in various applications such as construction, manufacturing, and crafting.
Examples
- The child stuck the sticker to her shirt with an adhesive.
- The glue is an adhesive that works well on paper and fabric.
Synonyms
- Glue
- Adhesive tape
- Sticky
Antonyms
- Detachable
- Removable
Etymology
The word “adhesive” comes from the Latin “adhaerere,” meaning “to stick to,” and is derived from the prefix “ad-” meaning “to” and the verb “haerere,” meaning “to stick.” The term has been in use since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Adhesive is often used to describe the sticky properties of substances, but it can also refer to the process of applying or attaching an adhesive substance to a surface. Make sure to use “adhesive” correctly depending on the context and avoid confusing it with “adherent,” which means “sticking to” or “attached to.”
Cultural References
The term “adhesive” has been used in various forms of media, such as science fiction novels, action movies, and even children’s cartoons. For example, in the popular animated series “Adventure Time,” the main character Jake is depicted as having adhesive properties that allow him to stick to and manipulate objects.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Sticking to it” is a common idiomatic expression meaning to persist in a difficult situation or task, often due to an adhesive property holding things together. Additionally, “holding on for dear life” is a phrase that can be linked to adhesive properties, as one might grasp onto something to prevent falling or losing their grip.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “adhesive” include “adhesion,” “adhesive tape,” “glue,” and “sticky.”
Collocations
Common word combinations with the term “adhesive” include “adhesive tape,” “adhesive glue,” “adhesive bandage,” and “adhesive remover.”
Frequency of Use
“Adhesive” is a relatively common term in everyday language, particularly in contexts involving household chores, DIY projects, or crafting. According to Google Ngram, the frequency of use of the term has remained relatively consistent over the past century, with a slight increase around the 1980s due to the increased popularity of arts and crafts activities.
Common Misspellings
`Adivasive’ is a common misspelling of the word “adhesive,” often due to the similarity in pronunciation and the tendency to substitute one letter for another.