adherend

noun

ad·​her·​end

ad-ˈhir-ˌend,

ˌad-ˌhir-ˈend

plural -s

: the surface to which an adhesive adheres

also : one of the bodies held to another by an adhesive

Word History

Etymology

adhere + -end (as in addend)

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!