adhesion

noun

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ad·he·sion | \ ad-ˈhē-zhən

, əd- \

Definition of adhesion

1 : steady or firm attachment : adherence

2 : the action or state of adhering

3 : the abnormal union of separate tissue surfaces by new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process also : the newly formed uniting tissue

4 : agreement to join adhesion of all nations to a copyright convention

5 : the molecular attraction exerted between the surfaces of bodies in contact

Other Words from adhesion Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about adhesion

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Synonyms & Antonyms for adhesion

Synonyms

Antonyms

unsticking

Examples of adhesion in a Sentence

the adhesion of the coating the adhesion of the mud to my shoes

Recent Examples on the Web Thankfully, the Mach 1’s progressive breakaway and overall docile nature at the limit of adhesion was present on every version of the car, making any Mach 1 an excellent choice for track day enjoyment. — Karl Brauer, Forbes, "2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1: Highly-Accessible Track-Friendly Fun," 6 Apr. 2021 When the tongue leaves the liquid, adhesion pulls fluid with it from the surface, and inertia causes more liquid to follow. — John Matson, Scientific American, "Cat Lap: Engineers Unravel the Mystery of How Felines Drink," 11 Nov. 2010 The bottom part of the mass, which is viscous at rest, sits on a solid base and is held there by adhesion or other forces, while the upper layers are situated in a parallel direction. — H. Joachim Schlichting, Scientific American, "Ketchup Is Not Just a Condiment: It Is Also a Non-Newtonian Fluid," 12 Mar. 2021 The rear window on these vehicles may have been bonded incorrectly, which may lead to decreased, long-term adhesion. — USA TODAY, "Car recalls for October 29-Nov. 5," 5 Nov. 2020 The tires approach their limit of adhesion with predictable and easily controlled manners. — Eric Tingwall, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Hauls Even on Street Tires," 18 Dec. 2020 His research interests include the biochemistry of cell adhesion and the mechanism of action of Nischarin in tumor cell migration and invasion. — Staff Reports, NOLA.com, "LSU cancer researcher recognized, and other metro area health news," 9 Dec. 2020 The rear window on these vehicles may have been bonded incorrectly, which may lead to decreased, long-term adhesion. — USA TODAY, "Car recalls for October 29-Nov. 5," 5 Nov. 2020 The rear window on these vehicles may have been bonded incorrectly, which may lead to decreased, long-term adhesion. — USA TODAY, "Car recalls for October 29-Nov. 5," 5 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adhesion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for adhesion

borrowed from French or Latin; French adhésion, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin adhaesiōn-, adhaesiō, from adhaes-, variant stem of adhaerēre "to adhere" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns (expected *adhaestiō presumably simplified to adhaesiō by analogy)

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Last Updated

15 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Adhesion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adhesion. Accessed 18 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for adhesion

adhesion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of adhesion

: the act of adhering especially : the act of sticking or attaching to something

medical : a condition in which body tissues that are supposed to be separate grow together because of swelling after surgery

See the full definition for adhesion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

adhesion

noun

ad·he·sion | \ ad-ˈhē-zhən

Kids Definition of adhesion

: the act or state of sticking They tested the adhesion of the paint to the wall.

adhesion

noun

ad·he·sion | \ ad-ˈhē-zhən, əd-

Medical Definition of adhesion

1 : the action or state of adhering specifically : a sticking together of substances (as of glue and wood or of parts united by growth)

2a : the abnormal union of surfaces normally separate by the formation of new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process also : the newly formed uniting tissue pleural adhesions

b : the union of wound edges especially by first intention

3 : the molecular attraction exerted between the surfaces of bodies in contact — compare cohesion sense 2