Adhesion

(ad-he'zhun.) [From L. adhæreo, I cling to.] (Phys.) The force which keeps the particles of unlike bodies in the same relative positions with regard to each other. It is applied to the union of di imilar bodies only, and is therefore opposed to cohesion, which is the force existing between particles of the same nature. Thus, it is the force of cohesion which keeps together the particles of a piece of lead, and the force of adhesion which causes two plates of tin and lead to remain together after being subjected to pre ure. [s. 9]