adhesion
Adhesion is the act of sticking to something or the force that holds two different things together.
Explanation at your level:
Adhesion means to stick. Think of tape on paper. The tape has adhesion. It stays on the paper. It is a useful word for science class. If you use glue, you create adhesion. It is like a strong hug between two things that are not the same.
When you use glue to fix a broken toy, you are using the property of adhesion. It is the force that makes things stay together. We also use it to say people agree with a plan. They show adhesion to the rules by following them every day.
In physics, adhesion is the attraction between two different surfaces. For instance, water sticks to a leaf because of adhesion. In a more formal sense, it refers to the act of joining an organization or a treaty. It is a precise word often found in technical manuals or legal documents.
Adhesion describes the molecular force that allows distinct materials to bond. You might see it in discussions about automotive paint or medical implants. Beyond the lab, it describes the 'stickiness' of an idea or a political movement. It implies a firm, persistent connection that is hard to break.
While often used in materials science to describe surface energy and bonding, 'adhesion' also functions in political science to denote the formal adoption of a policy or treaty. It carries a sense of structural integrity. When a substance exhibits high adhesion, it resists separation. Similarly, a group's adhesion to a core philosophy ensures their long-term unity and resilience against external pressures.
Etymologically rooted in the Latin adhaerere, the term 'adhesion' has evolved from a simple description of physical attachment to a sophisticated metaphor for institutional and ideological alignment. In advanced discourse, it distinguishes between mere proximity and actual, functional bonding. Whether discussing the microscopic interaction of polymers or the macro-level commitment of states to international law, the word implies a deliberate, persistent, and often necessary state of being 'stuck' to a purpose or a surface.
30秒でわかる単語
- Adhesion is the force of different things sticking together.
- It is also the act of joining a group or cause.
- It is an uncountable noun.
- It is the opposite of cohesion in science.
Hey there! Have you ever wondered why water droplets cling to a window? That is adhesion in action! It is the scientific term for the attraction between different types of molecules.
Beyond science, we use this word to talk about commitment. If a group shows adhesion to a set of rules, it means they are sticking to them faithfully. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between physics and social behavior.
The word adhesion comes from the Latin word adhaesio, which literally means 'a sticking to.' It is derived from the verb adhaerere, where ad- means 'to' and haerere means 'to stick.'
It entered English in the 17th century. Interestingly, it shares the same root as the word 'adherent,' which describes someone who supports a leader or a cause. It has kept its core meaning of 'clinging' for hundreds of years!
You will mostly hear adhesion in scientific or medical contexts. For example, engineers talk about the 'adhesion of paint' to metal, and doctors might discuss 'tissue adhesion' after surgery.
In everyday life, it is a bit formal. If you are talking to a friend, you would probably just say 'stickiness.' Use 'adhesion' when you want to sound professional, technical, or precise about how things connect.
While 'adhesion' itself is rarely used in idioms, it relates to concepts like:
- Stick to your guns: Maintaining your position.
- Hold fast: To remain firmly attached.
- Band together: Joining a group (social adhesion).
- Stuck on: Being obsessed or attached to an idea.
- Clear as glue: A play on how things stick together.
Adhesion is an uncountable noun. You don't usually say 'an adhesion' unless you are talking about a specific medical condition. The stress falls on the second syllable: ad-HEE-zhun.
It rhymes with cohesion, which is its scientific partner! Remember, adhesion is for different things sticking together, while cohesion is for the same things sticking together.
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'adhesive' tape!
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a soft 'uh', followed by 'hee' and 'zhun'.
Very similar to UK, clear 'zh' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 's'
- Stressing the first syllable
- Adding an extra vowel sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy for science, hard for general.
Requires precision.
Use in professional contexts.
Common in lectures.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Uncountable Nouns
Adhesion is uncountable.
Prefixes
Ad- means to.
Noun Suffixes
-sion for nouns.
Examples by Level
The glue has good adhesion.
glue = sticky stuff
Uncountable noun.
The tape is sticky.
It stays on the wall.
The paper sticks well.
Glue makes things stay.
I use glue for art.
It is a strong bond.
The sticker stays put.
The paint needs adhesion to the wall.
Water shows adhesion to glass.
The label has lost its adhesion.
We need better adhesion for the tiles.
The tape lost its stickiness.
The glue failed to hold.
The surface must be clean.
Check the adhesion of the patch.
The medical tape has strong adhesion.
Adhesion is important in construction.
The treaty requires adhesion by all.
The tire's adhesion to the road is vital.
Scientists studied the adhesion of cells.
Poor adhesion caused the paint to peel.
The group showed adhesion to the goal.
We tested the adhesion of the film.
The adhesion between the layers is weak.
The company signed the act of adhesion.
Molecular adhesion is a complex process.
The surgeon noted tissue adhesion.
His adhesion to the party was absolute.
The product offers superior adhesion.
Surface preparation improves adhesion.
The policy relies on public adhesion.
The adhesion of the coating prevents rust.
The nation's adhesion to the agreement was formal.
We measured the force of adhesion.
The adhesion of the parasite is strong.
Structural adhesion is key to safety.
The adhesion to tradition is evident.
Chemical adhesion is different from cohesion.
The adhesion of the ink is perfect.
The study of adhesion is central to tribology.
The political adhesion of the states was fragile.
The adhesion of the proteins was observed.
He spoke of the adhesion of the soul to truth.
The adhesion of the laminate is critical.
The adhesion to the cause was unwavering.
The adhesion of the film was tested under heat.
Adhesion is the fundamental force of bonding.
類義語
反対語
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"stick to your guns"
refusing to change your mind
Even when challenged, he stuck to his guns.
casual"stick it out"
to continue despite difficulty
It was hard, but we stuck it out.
casual"stick together"
to support each other
We must stick together in times of trouble.
neutral"stuck in a rut"
trapped in a boring routine
I feel like I am stuck in a rut.
casual"stick around"
to stay in a place
Do you want to stick around for dinner?
casual"hold fast"
to remain firm
The captain told the crew to hold fast.
literaryEasily Confused
Similar sound
Adherence is for rules/beliefs; Adhesion is for physical objects.
Adherence to rules vs Adhesion of glue.
Similar suffix
Cohesion is for the same substance; Adhesion is for different.
Cohesion of water molecules.
Same root
Adhesive is the adjective or the glue itself.
The adhesive tape.
Similar meaning
Attachment is more general.
My attachment to my home.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + shows + adhesion
The tape shows adhesion.
Adhesion + of + X + to + Y
The adhesion of water to glass.
Lack of + adhesion
The lack of adhesion caused failure.
Improve + adhesion
We must improve adhesion.
Adhesion + to + cause/rule
Their adhesion to the cause.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
6/10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Adhesion is for different things; cohesion is for the same things.
Use adherence for following rules/beliefs; adhesion for physical sticking.
It is usually an abstract concept, not 'an adhesion'.
The 's' sounds like a 'zh' sound.
Adhesion is too technical for human physical contact.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine glue 'adding' things together.
When Native Speakers Use It
In science class or construction.
Cultural Insight
Often used in political treaties.
Grammar Shortcut
It is an uncountable noun.
Say It Right
The 'zh' sound is key.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'an adhesion' for general stickiness.
Did You Know?
Geckos use adhesion to climb walls!
Study Smart
Pair it with 'cohesion' to learn both.
Formal vs Casual
Use 'sticky' for friends, 'adhesion' for work.
Rhyme Time
Think of 'vision' to get the 'zh' sound right.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Adhesion = Add + H-esion (Add a sticky bond).
Visual Association
A piece of tape stuck to a box.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Find three things in your room that stick together and explain why.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: sticking to
文化的な背景
None.
Used heavily in science and legal contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Science Lab
- test the adhesion
- measure the force
- surface energy
Construction
- ensure adhesion
- apply primer
- peeling paint
Legal/Politics
- act of adhesion
- sign the treaty
- formal commitment
Medicine
- tissue adhesion
- surgical recovery
- internal scarring
Conversation Starters
"Why do you think water sticks to glass?"
"Have you ever had paint peel off a wall?"
"What does it mean to have adhesion to a cause?"
"Can you think of any examples of adhesion in nature?"
"Why is adhesion important for building houses?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to stick to a difficult goal.
Explain how adhesion works in your own words.
Why is it important for things to stick together?
Write a short story about a world without adhesion.
よくある質問
8 問No, it is a noun.
Adhesion = different things; Cohesion = same things.
Yes, but it sounds formal.
Yes, adhesions, but rarely used.
Not usually, unless talking about medical adhesions.
Adhesive.
Only in technical contexts.
Latin 'adhaerere'.
自分をテスト
The glue shows strong ___ to the paper.
Adhesion is the property of sticking.
Which word means 'sticking to a surface'?
Adhesion is the force of sticking.
Adhesion is the same as cohesion.
Adhesion is for different things, cohesion is for the same.
Word
意味
Match the term to its meaning.
Subject + verb + adjective.
The ___ of the paint was poor.
Adhesion describes how paint sticks.
What is the opposite of adhesion?
Detachment means coming apart.
Adhesion can be used for political support.
It means joining a cause.
The ___ to the treaty was signed by all.
Adhesion is the formal act of joining.
Which field uses 'adhesion' most?
It is a technical term in science.
スコア： /10
Summary
Adhesion is the scientific 'stickiness' that connects different things together.
- Adhesion is the force of different things sticking together.
- It is also the act of joining a group or cause.
- It is an uncountable noun.
- It is the opposite of cohesion in science.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine glue 'adding' things together.
When Native Speakers Use It
In science class or construction.
Cultural Insight
Often used in political treaties.
Grammar Shortcut
It is an uncountable noun.
例文
The tape lost its adhesion after being exposed to water for several hours.
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