Adhesion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔗
Add to dictionary

adhesion

[ədˈhiːʒən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

biology

The action or process of sticking something to something else. Adhesion is often seen in the context of cells sticking together or to a surface.

Synonyms

attachment, bonding, stickiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
adhesion

Use 'adhesion' primarily in technical or scientific contexts when describing the physical process of molecules or materials sticking together. Common in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science.

  • The adhesion of the paint to the wall was strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
  • Cell adhesion is crucial for the formation of tissues and organs.
attachment

Best used when describing an emotional or psychological connection, or when something is physically connected or appended to another object. Common in everyday language, psychology, and user interfaces.

  • Their attachment to each other only grew stronger over the years.
  • Please see the attachment for further details.
bonding

Refers to forming a strong emotional or physical connection. It can be used in social, familial, or chemical contexts where forming connections is the focus.

  • The weekend trip was great for team bonding.
  • Proper bonding of the two surfaces ensures a durable repair.
stickiness

Used to describe physical properties of substances that tend to adhere to surfaces. Typically seen in everyday language and discussions about textures or user engagement in digital marketing.

  • The stickiness of the glue made it very difficult to remove from the carpet.
  • Improving website stickiness can increase user retention.

Examples of usage

  • Adhesion between cells is crucial for the formation of tissues.
  • The adhesion of the virus to the host cell is the first step in infection.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

The molecular attraction exerted between the surfaces of bodies in contact.

Synonyms

attraction, cohesion, stickiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
adhesion

This term is often used in scientific and technical settings to refer to the sticking together of particles, surfaces, or substances.

  • The adhesion of the paint to the wall ensures a long-lasting finish
  • Strong adhesion between the glue and the wood is necessary for the project
attraction

Describes a force that draws objects together, often used in physical, emotional, or abstract contexts.

  • There is a strong magnetic attraction between the two metals
  • Her attraction to classical music began at a young age
stickiness

Informal term that describes the quality of being sticky, often referring to physical substances having adhesive properties. It can have a negative connotation when describing discomfort or annoyance.

  • The stickiness of the tape helped seal the box securely
  • The glue's stickiness made it difficult to clean up the mess
cohesion

Refers to the action or fact of forming a united whole, often used in contexts involving unity, teamwork, or the properties of liquids.

  • Cohesion among team members is crucial for the project's success
  • Water droplets form due to cohesion between water molecules

Examples of usage

  • The force of adhesion between the molecules of water and the glass surface.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, adhesion plays a crucial role in how cells interact and connect with each other.
  • Surfaces with higher roughness generally exhibit stronger adhesion due to increased surface area contact.
  • In materials science, adhesion affects the performance of coatings, adhesives, and composites.

Technology

  • Adhesion technology is used in the manufacturing of advanced materials like self-adhesive tapes and sticky notes.
  • In pharmaceuticals, adhesion properties are studied to improve drug delivery systems with patches that stick to skin.
  • With the rise of 3D printing, adhesion between layers is critical for developing strong and durable printed objects.

Health

  • In medical terms, adhesion can refer to internal scar tissue that forms after surgery, sometimes causing complications.
  • Some surgeries are performed using adhesive gels instead of stitches to promote quicker healing and less scarring.
  • Understanding adhesion can help improve medical devices that require bonding with biological tissues.

Everyday Life

  • In cooking, adhesion occurs when spices or sauces stick to food, enhancing flavors.
  • The concept of adhesion is utilized in arts and crafts, where glue or tape is essential for holding projects together.
  • Many cleaning products are designed to make surfaces less adhesive to dirt, making them easier to clean.

Origin of 'adhesion'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'adhaesio', which means 'sticking to'.
  • The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward', while 'haesio' refers to 'sticking'.
  • First used in the English language in the late 15th century, relating to both physical and emotional connections.

The word adhesion originated from the Latin word 'adhaesio', which means 'stick to'. It has been used in various scientific fields to describe the sticking together of different substances. The concept of adhesion is essential in biology, physics, and engineering, where it plays a crucial role in understanding the interactions between materials.


See also: adherable, adhere, adhered, adherence, adherent, adherents, adhering, adhesive.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,089 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.