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adherent

adherent

1 6.6
Sticks firmly to a surface
  • adjective
  • /ədˈhɪrənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : adherente
  • The cyst was located at the left inferior pole of the thyroid gland and was adherent to the esophagus.
  • adherent scar
  • adherent posterior lamellar
  • adherent scar tissue

Examples

  • On examination, the lesion was ulcerated and firmly adherent to the frontal bone.

    Academic text (2015)
  • It's firmly adherent to the surface here.

  • Participants reporting having practiced once a day or twice a day were considered adherent.

    Academic text (2013)
  • So of course treatment will only be effective if you're adherent and compliant to your medication.

  • The mass was firm, moderately hard, not adherent to the skin, and slightly tender to palpation.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Intraoperatively, the thyroid was found to be densely fibrotic and adherent to the surrounding structures.

    Academic text (2005)
  • In our patient, the broad-based osteoma was adherent to the sigmoid sinus, fallopian canal, and stylomastoid foramen.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The sticker was adherent to the wall, showing no signs of peeling off.

  • This paint is specially formulated to be adherent to various surfaces, ensuring a smooth finish.

  • The label must be adherent to the packaging to withstand shipping and handling.

Synonyms

sticky
vsadherent
126 1.0

Covered with a substance that keeps it on other things

means able to stick firmly rather than merely leaving residue
adhesive
vsadherent
3 3.5

Sticking to a surface so it stays in place

is the general, nontechnical description of firm surface attachment
glutinous
vsadherent
2 7.7

Sticky like glue that easily sticks to things

refers to firm surface adhesion not necessarily to thick texture
gluey
vsadherent
1 3.2

Thick and sticky so things stick together

emphasizes firm adhesion rather than soft or messy texture
tenacious
vsadherent
1 6.3

Sticking firmly to another thing

describes firm adhesion but without extra force emphasis
glued
vsadherent
  • Informal
1 3.0

Stuck firmly in one place or unable to stop paying attention

describes the property of sticking firmly rather than the fixed result
affixed
vsadherent
4.4

Firmly attached to a surface or object so it cannot move

refers to staying firmly on a surface rather than the sticking ability
gluelike
vsadherent
3.7

Very sticky and thick so things stick together

focuses on strong surface adhesion rather than resemblance to paste
stickery
vsadherent
6.4

Having a surface that makes things stay on it

describes steady ability to stick rather than a mere tendency on touch
stickly
vsadherent
8.4

Having a wet, glue like feel that makes things stay on it

focuses on strong reliable sticking rather than gooey texture

Antonyms

Does not stick to skin or other surfaces

How Sticky

tenacious
22 7.1
adherent
  • Specialized
1 6.6
tacky
  • Specialized
4 4.9

Surface Forms

adherent positive

Morphology

adherent = adhere (transparent) = adhere + ent

Standard adjectival formation from 'adhere' with '-ent'; the meaning 'sticking' directly follows from the verb.

Etymology

Adherent comes from Latin parts ad- 'to' and haerere 'to stick'. Think of an adhesive that 'sticks to' a surface, so an adherent substance stays firmly attached.