adhesion
Clinging to something
Adhesion is the process or state of sticking to something.
In physics, it describes the molecular attraction between surfaces in contact—how tape clings to paper or paint bonds to walls.
In medicine, adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between internal organs after surgery or injury, sometimes causing pain or complications.
Figuratively, adhesion can mean loyalty or attachment to a cause: Their adhesion to traditional values remained firm.
Fabric fastener using hooks
Bonding substance
- epoxyCatalyst-cured bonding compound
- cementCalcium powder binding agent
- sealantGap-blocking substance
- mortarGrinding bowl or binder
weld · solder · tape · paste · binder · fixative · bonding agent · contact cement
Pulling via pressure difference
- gripSecure manual hold
- staticWithout motion or change
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- geckoClimbing lizard with toe pads
clingfilm · barnacle · ivy · tendril · leech · octopus · plaster · bandage
Adding moisture to
- hydrophobicRepels aqueous substances
- hydrophilicTending to absorb water
- meniscusCurved liquid surface
- capillarySmallest blood vessel
surface tension · adsorption · substrate · coating · film · interface
Unity among allies
- allianceFormal union of parties
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
commitment · devotion · support · faithfulness · adherence
Between discrete molecules
- tensile strengthResistance to pulling force
- attractionPull toward something
- van der WaalsWeak intermolecular attractive force
- hydrogen bondElectronegativity-based intermolecular attraction
velcro
Fabric fastener using hooks
buckle · snap · latch · rivet · screw · bolt · nail · staple · pin · anchor
glue
Bonding substance
mortar · weld · solder · tape · paste · binder · fixative · bonding agent · contact cement · superglue
suction
Pulling via pressure difference
gecko · clingfilm · barnacle · ivy · tendril · leech · octopus · plaster · bandage · sticker
wetting
Adding moisture to
- hydrophobicRepels aqueous substances
- hydrophilicTending to absorb water
- meniscusCurved liquid surface
capillary · surface tension · adsorption · substrate · coating · film · interface
solidarity
Unity among allies
- allianceFormal union of parties
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
fidelity · commitment · devotion · support · faithfulness · adherence
intermolecular
Between discrete molecules
- tensile strengthResistance to pulling force
- attractionPull toward something
- van der WaalsWeak intermolecular attractive force
- surgerysurgery, surgeon, surgeons, operation, incision
- tractiontraction, tire grip, road grip, friction, ground contact
- cell junctions
- frictionfriction, rubbing, abrading, friction burn, rolling friction
- physical phenomenadiffusion, collision, friction, explosion, surface tension
- forcesgravity, force, electromagnetism, thrust, drag
adhesionseparation
State of being apart
detachment · release · unsticking · debonding · repulsion
adhesiondisloyalty
Breach of allegiance
betrayal · treachery · faithlessness · infidelity · perfidy
- adhesive tapeStrip with tacky backing
- adhesive bandageSticky wound covering
- adhesive stripsSticky wound coverings
- adhesive braSelf-attaching breast support
- adhesive notesPaper with light-tack backing
- adhesive stampsSticky mail payment markers