noun
adhesive
uhd-HEE-sihv
noun
1
A substance, such as glue, used to stick things together.
"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
Word Forms
more adhesive comparative, adhesives plural, most adhesive superlative
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Etymology
From French adhésif, from Medieval Latin adhaesivus, related to adhere.