— adherable , adj. — adherer , n.
/ad hear"/ , v. , adhered, adhering .
v.i.
1. to stay attached; stick fast; cleave; cling (usually fol. by to ): The mud adhered to his shoes.
2. Physics. (of two or more dissimilar substances) to be united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.
3. to be devoted in support or allegiance; be attached as a follower or upholder (usually fol. by to ): to adhere to a party.
4. to hold closely or firmly (usually fol. by to ): to adhere to a plan.
5. Obs. to be consistent.
v.t.
6. to cause to adhere; make stick: Glue will adhere the tiles to the wallboard.
[ 1590-1600; adherere for L adhaerere ( ad- AD- + haerere to stick, cling), perh. via MF adhérer ]
Syn. 1. See stick .
Ant. 1. part, loosen.