adhesion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'adhesion' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a process in which two substances or objects stick together, and is often used in the context of physical and chemical interactions. Example: Because of the strong adhesion between the glue and the wall, it was difficult to remove the poster.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

In turbellarians two major types of mesenchymal glands occur: one produces a slimy material upon which the organisms creep; the other secretes an adhesive substance for capture of prey, for adhesion, and for cementing egg capsules to a suitable surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These winds are whipped up, though, not by any want of retrenchment but by an unbending adhesion to the austerity dogma.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the instantaneous facial hair she attached double-sided transparent toupee tape to the moustache gauze for instant adhesion to my top lip.

The Guardian

Geckos share their unusual dry adhesion mechanism with only a few other species of lizard.

The Economist

The prospect of entry into the EU has fuelled Turkey's five-year inward investment boom, though political difficulties and the slow pace of adhesion to Europe may explain a recent slowdown.

The Economist

When rails are unevenly worn, damp, greasy or caked with decaying leaves, a wheel can temporarily lose full adhesion and start spinning faster than the train is moving.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This allowed her to gauge the amount of time that sloths spent upside down or in postures that would have strained the respiratory tract of other mammals.With these data, the researchers worked backwards to calculate the amount of energy that sloths would have had to expend had it not been for the adhesions in their abdominal cavity.

The Economist

(Earlier, the researchers had erroneously considered these adhesions to be scars from internal injuries that the sloths sustained after being hit by vehicles).The sloth's innards clasp the outer layer of the abdomen much like the way a membrane underneath the human tongue anchors it to the bottom of the mouth.

The Economist

The operations necessarily were unambitious and confined to collapse therapy, including thoracoplasty (removal of ribs), apicolysis (collapse of a lung apex and artificially filling the space), and phrenic crush (which paralyzed the diaphragm on the chosen side); to isolation of the area of lung to be removed by first creating pleural adhesions; and to drainage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the axilla they are so large that the coils press upon each other, forming adhesions and cross-shunts of such complexity that the glands are more spongy than tubular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The amnion also provides protection against fluid loss from the embryo itself and against tissue adhesions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific or technical topics, use "adhesion" to accurately describe the phenomenon of two surfaces sticking together. Be specific about the types of adhesion involved, such as mechanical or chemical adhesion.

Common error

Avoid using "adhesion" when "adherence" is more appropriate. "Adhesion" typically refers to physical sticking, while "adherence" often refers to sticking to a plan, belief, or rule.

Linguistic Context

The word "adhesion" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act or process of adhering or sticking together. As noted by Ludwig AI, this can describe a physical property or a more abstract concept of loyalty or agreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adhesion" is a noun primarily used to describe the physical or chemical process of sticking together. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in scientific and technical fields. While "adhesion" can also refer to loyalty or agreement, this usage is less frequent. Related terms include "binding force" and "surface adherence", offering alternative ways to describe the phenomenon. When writing, ensure "adhesion" is not confused with "adherence", and be mindful of its scientific connotations. Authoritative sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and The Economist frequently employ this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surface adherence

Specifically refers to the attachment of one substance to the surface of another.

sticking capability

Highlights the ability to adhere or cling, emphasizing the physical property of sticking.

bonding strength

Highlights the robustness and durability of the connection.

binding force

Focuses on the strength and nature of the connection, implying a physical or metaphorical bond.

clinging action

Focuses on the act of holding tightly or adhering firmly.

degree of attachment

Quantifies the extent to which something is connected or bound.

cohesive power

Indicates the force that unites or binds things together.

joining property

Emphasizes the function of connecting or uniting separate entities.

union formation

Describes the process of creating a bond or link between entities.

linking mechanism

Refers to the process or means by which things are connected or joined.

FAQs

How is "adhesion" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "adhesion" describes the force that holds together different molecules or surfaces. It's frequently used in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics to explain how substances interact and bind with each other.

What is the difference between "adhesion" and cohesion?

"Adhesion" is the attraction between different molecules or surfaces, while cohesion is the attraction between similar molecules. For example, water sticking to glass is adhesion, while water molecules sticking together is cohesion.

Which is correct, "cell adhesion" or "cell adherence"?

"Cell adhesion" is more commonly used and scientifically accurate when referring to the process by which cells stick to each other or to a surface. While "adherence" can be used in some contexts, "adhesion" is preferred in scientific literature.

What are some practical examples of "adhesion"?

Everyday examples of "adhesion" include glue sticking paper together, paint adhering to a wall, and the ability of geckos to climb smooth surfaces due to intermolecular forces.