adhesive

1 of 2

adjective

ad·​he·​sive ad-ˈhē-siv  -ziv 

əd-

1

: tending to remain in association or memory

2

: tending to adhere or cause adherence

3

: prepared for adhering

4

medical : characterized by the formation of new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process

adhesive inflammations

adhesively adverb

adhesiveness noun

adhesiveness

2 of 2

noun

ad·​he·​sive·​ness

ad-ˈhē-siv-nəs, 

-ziv-, 

əd-

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being adhesive

2

phrenology : the propensity to form and maintain attachments to persons

Synonyms of adhesive

Adjective

• sticky
• adherent

Examples of adhesive in a Sentence

Adjective

Cover the cut with an adhesive bandage.

walked barefoot through adhesive, clayey mud

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Engineers have replicated this talent using specialized adhesive materials inspired by the microscopic structures found on gecko feet. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand, because adhesive chemistry and wear time vary. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

For wearers whose sensors regularly peel up early, adhesive overpatches can extend wear time. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026

Beyond the gadgets themselves, Family Dollar’s removable adhesive hooks help keep small kitchens organized. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin adhaesīvus, from Latin adhaesus (past participle of adhaerēre "to adhere") + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

Adjective

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adhesive

• adhesive binding
• adhesive tape
• self-adhesive

Rhymes for adhesive

• cohesive

Kids Definition

adhesive

1 of 2 adjective

ad·​he·​sive ad-ˈhē-siv 

əd-, 

-ziv

: tending to adhere : prepared for adhering

adhesiveness noun

adhesive

2 of 2 noun

: an adhesive substance (as glue or cement)

Medical Definition

adhesive

1 of 2 adjective

ad·​he·​sive -ˈhē-siv  -ziv 

1

a

: tending to adhere or cause adherence

adhesive resins

b

: prepared for adhering

an adhesive bandage

2

: characterized by adhesions

adhesive inflammation

adhesively adverb

adhesive

2 of 2 noun

1

: an adhesive substance

especially : a substance (as glue, starch, paste, or mucilage) that bonds two materials together by adhering to the surface of each

2

: adhesive tape