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Vocabulary Spotlight

Adhesion

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The action or process of sticking to a surface or object, or the state of being attached.

“The adhesion of the sticker to the wall was strong, making it hard to remove.”

Pronunciation

[ad-HEE-zhuhn]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Attachment
Bond
Sticking
Cling
Affixation

Antonyms

Separation
Detachment
Division
Release
Disjunction

Related Words

Cohesion
Stickiness
Union

Word Origin

“Adhesion” comes from the Latin “adhaesionem,” meaning “a sticking to.”

Word Family

Noun: Adhesion – The action of sticking firmly to a surface.

Adjective: Adhesive – Able to stick firmly to a surface.

Noun: Adherent – A supporter or something that adheres to another.

Mnemonics

Think “Add Here, and It Sticks” – Adhesion is the process of sticking to a surface.

Industry-specific Usage

Medicine

Adhesion refers to tissues sticking abnormally, often requiring surgery to separate.

Construction

Strong adhesion between materials is crucial for the durability of construction structures.

Manufacturing

Adhesion is important for bonding parts in product assembly.

In Context

Adhesion commonly describes the process of sticking or bonding, essential in fields like construction, biology, and materials science.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Adhesion”?

Bond
Separation
Division
Release

‘Bond’ is correct as it refers to something that sticks or holds together.

2. Fill in the blank: The _______ of the wallpaper to the wall made it difficult to remove.

separation
adhesion
division
disjunction

‘Adhesion’ is appropriate as it describes the process of sticking to a surface.

3. In which context would “adhesion” be MOST appropriate?

Separating items easily
Breaking apart materials
Detaching items effortlessly
Sticking things together firmly

‘Sticking things together firmly’ is correct as adhesion means attaching or sticking to a surface.