In geology, a process in which dry sand blown onto a damp surface is held there by the surface tension of the water rising between the grains via capillary action.

Ad*he"sion (#), n. [L. adhaesio, fr. adhaerere: cf. F. adh'esion.]

1.

The action of sticking; the state of being attached; intimate union; as the adhesion of glue, or of parts united by growth, cement, or the like.

2.

Adherence; steady or firm attachment; fidelity; as, to error, to a policy.

His adhesion to the Tories was bounded by his approbation of their foreign policy. De Quincey.

3.

Agreement to adhere; concurrence; assent.

To that treaty Spain and England gave in their adhesion. Macaulay.

4. Physics

The molecular attraction exerted between bodies in contact. See Cohesion.

5. Med.

Union of surface, normally separate, by the formation of new tissue resulting from an inflammatory process.

6. Bot.

The union of parts which are separate in other plants, or in younger states of the same plant.

Syn. -- Adherence; union. See Adherence.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.