Definition

Noun: A medical dressing consisting of a pad of plain, absorbent gauze that is held securely in place over a wound by a strip of plastic or fabric tape coated with an adhesive substance.

Usage

An adhesive bandage is used to cover and protect minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters. It keeps the wound clean, absorbs small amounts of fluid, and helps prevent infection. The adhesive tape allows it to stick directly to the skin around the wound.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Specialized Types: While "adhesive bandage" is the general term, specific types exist, such as waterproof adhesive bandages, fabric adhesive bandages, or knuckle adhesive bandages, each designed for different needs.
• Proprietary vs. Generic: The term is generic. A well-known brand name for an adhesive bandage is "Band-Aid," which is often used informally to refer to any adhesive bandage.

Variants and Related Words

• Bandage (n): A broader term for any strip of material used to bind up a wound or to protect an injured part of the body. An adhesive bandage is one specific type of bandage.
• Dressing (n): A medical covering, such as gauze, applied to a wound. An adhesive bandage incorporates a dressing.
• Plaster (n): A term commonly used in British English for an adhesive bandage.

Synonyms

• Sticking plaster (primarily British English)
• Band-Aid (a trademark often used generically)

Related Phrases

• Apply an adhesive bandage: To put an adhesive bandage on a wound.
  • Remember to apply an adhesive bandage to any open blisters.
• Change an adhesive bandage: To remove an old adhesive bandage and put on a new one.
  • You should change the adhesive bandage daily to keep the wound clean.

Noun

1. bandage consisting of a medical dressing of plain absorbent gauze held in place by a plastic or fabric tape coated with adhesive