adhesion

noun

ad·​he·​sion ad-ˈhē-zhən How to pronounce adhesion (audio)
əd-
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
adhesional
ad-ˈhēzh-nəl How to pronounce adhesion (audio)
-ˈhē-zhə-nᵊl
əd-
adjective

Examples of adhesion in a Sentence

the adhesion of the coating the adhesion of the mud to my shoes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gorges has also been studying the seeds' cellulose nano fibers, which—depending on the level of hydration—can exhibit either high or low friction or adhesion. ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 Many of the affected genes have roles in key processes such as cell adhesion and migration, which are known to respond to mechanical forces. Simon Makin, Scientific American, 30 June 2025 Octopus tentacles have remarkably strong suckers with an adhesion power that could be an asset to soft robots that need to pick things up and hold onto them. ArsTechnica, 28 June 2025 The researchers tested the device’s long-term adhesion and electrical performance and compared it to the current, standard EEG using multiple electrodes. New Atlas, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for adhesion

Word History

Etymology

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)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adhesion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adhesion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adhesion. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

adhesion

noun
ad·​he·​sion ad-ˈhē-zhən How to pronounce adhesion (audio)
əd-
1
: steady or firm attachment
especially : a sticking together
2
: abnormal union of tissues following inflammation (as after surgery)
3
: the molecular attraction between surfaces of bodies in contact

Medical Definition

adhesion

noun
ad·​he·​sion ad-ˈhē-zhən, əd- How to pronounce adhesion (audio)
1
: the action or state of adhering
specifically : a sticking together of substances (as of glue and wood or of parts united by growth)
2
a
: 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
adhesional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on adhesion

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