Glue: meaning, definitions and examples

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glue

[ɡluː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

adhesive substance

Glue is a sticky substance used for joining things together. It is commonly made from natural or synthetic materials such as animal collagen, plant starch, or synthetic resins.

Synonyms

adhesive, bond, cement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glue	Commonly used in everyday situations, especially in arts, crafts, and minor repairs. It can be liquid or solid and is often used for paper, wood, and lightweight materials. She used glue to attach the pieces of paper together The kids needed glue for their school project
adhesive	A more technical term often used in industrial, packaging, and manufacturing contexts. It refers to substances that can stick to surfaces firmly and include tapes, glues, and pastes. The adhesive on this tape is very strong Engineers tested the adhesive properties of the new product
bond	Used in more formal or technical contexts to describe the connection created by adhesives. It can refer to both physical and chemical binding and is often used in scientific, engineering, and professional settings. The bond between the two metals was extremely strong Researchers studied how different materials bond under heat
cement	Often used in building and construction contexts. It refers to a substance that hardens to act as a binding agent, commonly used for masonry, concrete, and large-scale structural projects. The workers used cement to build the foundation Cement between the bricks keeps the structure strong

Examples of usage

Please use glue to stick the pieces together.
The glue dried quickly, forming a strong bond between the surfaces.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal term for a strong bond or connection

In informal contexts, glue can also refer to a strong bond or connection between people or things.

Synonyms

bond, connection, link.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glue	Used for sticky substances that join things together physically. I used glue to fix the broken vase The kids love using glue in their art projects
bond	Describes a strong relationship or connection, often emotional or chemical. The bond between mother and child is unbreakable In chemistry, molecules form bonds with each other
connection	Refers to a relationship between people, concepts, or things, often more abstract than 'link'. There's a deep connection between music and emotions He felt an immediate connection with the new team
link	Used for a direct relationship or association between objects, ideas, or events, often functional or causal. There is a link between smoking and lung cancer Click the link to open the website

Examples of usage

Their friendship was like glue, keeping them together through thick and thin.
The shared experience of travel created a glue that bonded the group.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to join or fasten with glue

To glue means to join or fasten things together using adhesive. It is a common method for repairing broken items or creating crafts.

Synonyms

adhere, attach, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glue	Typically used when talking about using a viscous substance to join materials like paper or wood. Commonly heard in arts and crafts, school projects, or DIY activities. She used glue to fix the broken vase The children enjoyed gluing glitter to the paper
adhere	Often used in a more formal or technical context, especially in manufacturing or science. It can also mean to stick firmly to principles or rules. The label must adhere to the bottle securely It’s important to adhere to the guidelines provided
stick	Used in everyday language to describe fastening something with an adhesive or by pressing against a surface. It can also metaphorically mean to keep with something, like a plan or idea. It can sometimes have a negative tone if implying stubbornness. The sticker won't stick to the wall He decided to stick to his original plan despite the challenges
attach	Commonly used when adding or fastening one thing to another in a general sense. It can be about physical objects or even abstract concepts like attaching importance. Please attach the document to the email The trailer is attached to the truck

Examples of usage

She glued the pieces of the vase back together.
He glued the poster to the wall using tape.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The use of glue dates back to ancient Egypt, where natural substances like animal skins and plant resins were used to make it.
In the 18th century, the first commercial glue was made from animal hides, which paved the way for modern adhesives.
In the 20th century, synthetic glues were developed, allowing for stronger bonds and quicker drying times.

Science

Glue works by creating a bond when it dries, which can occur through evaporation or chemical reactions.
Different types of glue include PVA (polyvinyl acetate) for crafts and superglue (cyanoacrylate) for quick fixes, showcasing diverse chemical properties.
Moisture content can affect how well glue adheres; understanding this principle helps in choosing the right adhesive for various projects.

Art & Crafts

In arts and crafts, glue is a fundamental tool, supporting everything from paper crafts to woodworking.
Craftsmen often use specialty glues, such as wood glue or epoxy, which have specific qualities tailored for different materials.
There are also edible glues, like royal icing, used in cake decorating, illustrating the versatility of adhesive substances.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'glue holding us together' is often used in stories and movies to describe characters or elements that unite people.
Glue got a humorous spotlight in the popular children's song 'Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum,' emphasizing its fun and playful nature.
Crafting Glues are often referenced in DIY shows and web series, revealing the creativity they can inspire in everyday life.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, glue symbolizes unity and connection, often used metaphorically in discussions about relationships.
Traditional crafts in various cultures use natural glues derived from plants, showing the resourcefulness of communities throughout history.
The act of gluing things together in a community can symbolize collaboration and teamwork, reinforcing social bonds.

Translations

Translations of the word "glue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cola

🇮🇳 गोंद

🇩🇪 Klebstoff

🇮🇩 lem

🇺🇦 клей

🇵🇱 klej

🇯🇵 接着剤 (せっちゃくざい)

🇫🇷 colle

🇪🇸 pegamento

🇹🇷 yapıştırıcı

🇰🇷 접착제 (jeopchakje)

🇸🇦 غراء

🇨🇿 lepidlo

🇸🇰 lepidlo

🇨🇳 胶水 (jiāoshuǐ)

🇸🇮 lepilo

🇮🇸 lími

🇰🇿 жабысқақ

🇬🇪 წებო (ts'ebo)

🇦🇿 yapışqan

🇲🇽 pegamento

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,892 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.

...
9889 charms
9890 confidently
9891 crank
9892 glue
9893 tuning
9894 flee
9895 donated
...