I. adˈhēsivˌ əd-ˌ -ēz-, -ēv adjective
Etymology: adhes ion + -ive
1. : tending to keep close to or in association with
the adhesive character of calumny — J.A.Froude
: tending to persist (as in the memory)
an adhesive witticism
2.
a. : tending to adhere : sticky , gluey
adhesive mud
: having the ability to stick things together
powerfully adhesive glue
b. : prepared for adhering (as by having a surface coated with a sticky substance)
adhesive tape
• ad·he·sive·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : an adhesive substance ; especially : a substance that bonds two materials together by adhering to the surface of each (as glue, starch paste, mucilage, rubber latex, or a synthetic resin composition) : cement 2
b. : adhesive tape
2.
a. : a postage stamp having a gummed back for sticking it onto postal matter as distinguished from one printed directly on a cover
b. : any stamp or seal having a gummed back