Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or act of sticking firmly to something: The physical property of two surfaces being held together by molecular forces, friction, or interlocking.
   • Steady or faithful attachment; support: Loyal commitment to a cause, party, belief, or set of principles.
   • A band of fibrous tissue: An abnormal, scar-like band that connects tissues or organs which are normally separate.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical sticking):
  • The adhesion of the tape to the wall was surprisingly strong.
  • Good tire adhesion to the road is essential for safe driving in the rain.
• Noun (Loyal support):
  • Her adhesion to the principles of non-violence never wavered.
  • The party demanded strict adhesion to its official platform.
• Noun (Medical condition):
  • Surgery can sometimes cause internal adhesions.
  • The adhesion was causing pain by pulling on the organ.

Advanced Usage

• "Adhesion to": This is the standard preposition used with this noun.
  • Adhesion to the treaty's terms was mandatory for all member states.
• Used in scientific and engineering contexts to describe forces and bonds.
  • The study measured the adhesion between the polymer coating and the metal substrate.

Variants and Related Words

• Adhere (verb): To stick firmly; to believe in and follow the practices of.
  • The paint must adhere to the surface. / He adheres to a strict routine.
• Adhesive (noun/adjective): A substance used for sticking; having the property of sticking.
  • Use a strong adhesive. / The label has an adhesive backing.
• Adherent (noun): A supporter or follower.
  • He was a lifelong adherent of the movement.

Synonyms

• Attachment: The act of adhering or being attached.
• Cohesion: The action or property of forming a united whole (often used for internal sticking within a single substance, whereas is between different substances).
• Loyalty: Faithfulness to commitments or obligations.
• Bond: A physical force or connection that holds things together.

Antonyms

• Detachment: The state of being disconnected or separate.
• Separation: The action of moving or being moved apart.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Adhesion contract": A legal, non-negotiable contract where one party sets the terms and the other can only accept or reject it.
  • The software license was an adhesion contract presented on a "take it or leave it" basis.

Noun

1. faithful support for a cause or political party or religion
   • attachment to a formal agenda
   • adherence to a fat-free diet
   • the adhesion of Seville was decisive
2. the property of sticking together (as of glue and wood) or the joining of surfaces of different composition
   • the mutual adhesiveness of cells
   • a heated hydraulic press was required for adhesion
3. a fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures
4. abnormal union of bodily tissues; most common in the abdomen