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 Its patented biomimetic pigments ensures natural adhesion. Julia Teti, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024 This medication targets an adhesion molecule called E-selectin with the goal of preventing leukocytes from sticking to blood vessels. Emily Sohn, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 Applying coatings in extreme temperatures or high humidity can lead to improper adhesion and future peeling. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2024 The process may involve concrete repair, grinding, and etching to ensure adhesion. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adhesion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adhesion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near adhesion

Cite this Entry

“Adhesion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adhesion. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!