adhesion
The physical property of sticking to a surface or object, or the act of a person or group joining or supporting a specific cause or agreement. In a technical sense, it often describes the force that holds two different substances together.
Examples
3 of 5The tape lost its adhesion after being exposed to water for several hours.
The tape's ability to stick was lost after it stayed in water for hours.
The state's adhesion to the international treaty was finalized during the summit.
The country's formal agreement to join the international treaty was completed at the meeting.
I need a glue with better adhesion if I want these wooden pieces to stay together.
I require a glue that sticks more strongly for these pieces of wood.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'AD' in adhesion as standing for 'Adding' two different things together (like tape and a wall).
Quick Quiz
The engineer noticed that the cold weather was reducing the ______ of the sealant on the windows.
Correct!
The correct answer is: adhesion
Examples
The tape lost its adhesion after being exposed to water for several hours.
everydayThe tape's ability to stick was lost after it stayed in water for hours.
The state's adhesion to the international treaty was finalized during the summit.
formalThe country's formal agreement to join the international treaty was completed at the meeting.
I need a glue with better adhesion if I want these wooden pieces to stay together.
informalI require a glue that sticks more strongly for these pieces of wood.
Molecular adhesion plays a critical role in the way cells interact with their environment.
academicThe way molecules stick together is very important for how cells work with their surroundings.
The contract of adhesion left the small business with very little room for negotiation.
businessThe take-it-or-leave-it contract gave the small company almost no chance to negotiate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
contract of adhesion
A legally binding agreement where one party has all the bargaining power.
surface adhesion
The force that causes a liquid or solid to stick to a surface.
adhesion to principles
The act of remaining loyal to one's beliefs or rules.
Often Confused With
Adhesion is the sticking together of different substances; cohesion is the sticking together of particles of the same substance.
Adhesion usually refers to physical sticking, whereas adherence often refers to sticking to rules, beliefs, or medical treatments.
Usage Notes
Use 'adhesion' primarily in scientific, technical, or legal contexts. While it can mean 'loyalty' to a cause, 'adherence' is more common for metaphorical usage regarding rules.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'adhesion' when describing the internal bond of a single material, which should actually be 'cohesion'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'AD' in adhesion as standing for 'Adding' two different things together (like tape and a wall).
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'adhaesio', from the verb 'adhaerere', meaning 'to stick to'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In legal systems, 'contracts of adhesion' are a significant consumer protection topic because they represent 'take-it-or-leave-it' deals.
Quick Quiz
The engineer noticed that the cold weather was reducing the ______ of the sealant on the windows.
Correct!
The correct answer is: adhesion
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