Definition

1. Noun:

   • A thermosetting resin: A type of strong, durable synthetic polymer that hardens permanently after being cured, typically through a chemical reaction. It is known for its excellent adhesive properties, chemical resistance, and strength.
   • A class of adhesives and coatings: Epoxy commonly refers to the materials made from this resin, used primarily for bonding, sealing, coating surfaces, or creating laminates.

2. Verb:

   • To glue or bond with epoxy resin: The act of using epoxy adhesive to join materials together permanently.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The tabletop was sealed with a clear epoxy for durability.
  • This two-part epoxy forms a very strong bond on metals and plastics.

• Verb:

  • You need to epoxy these pieces carefully to ensure they don't come apart.
  • The instructions said to epoxy the shards of the broken vase before it dries.

Advanced Usage

• "Epoxy resin system": Refers to the complete product, often consisting of a resin and a hardener that must be mixed to initiate curing.

  • The project requires a specific epoxy resin system designed for marine environments.

• "Epoxy coating": A protective or decorative layer applied to a surface using epoxy.

  • The garage floor has an epoxy coating to resist oil stains.

Variants and Related Words

• Epoxide (n): The chemical term for the reactive group present in epoxy resins.
• Epoxied (adj/v): Describes something that has been bonded with epoxy, or the past tense/participle of the verb.
  • The epoxied joint held firm under pressure.

Synonyms

• Adhesive: A substance used for sticking objects together.
• Resin: A broader category of viscous substances from plants or synthetics, which epoxy is a type of.
• Bonding agent: A material used to create adhesion between surfaces.

Related Phrases

• "Two-part epoxy": The most common form, where two components (resin and hardener) are mixed to activate the adhesive.

  • Always mix the two-part epoxy thoroughly for the best results.

• "Epoxy putty": A moldable, clay-like form of epoxy used for filling gaps or sculptural repairs.

  • He used epoxy putty to fill the hole in the pipe.

Related Idioms

Note: As a technical term, "epoxy" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily literal and technical.

Noun

1. a thermosetting resin; used chiefly in strong adhesives and coatings and laminates

Verb

1. glue with epoxy
   • epoxy the shards