adhesive tape
ad-HEE-siv TAYP
/ədˈhiːsɪv teɪp/
A strip of material, typically plastic or cloth, coated on one or both sides with an adhesive, used for joining, sealing, or mending.
Emphasizes its sticky quality and versatility for various fastening, sealing, or repair tasks, often with a temporary or semi-permanent bond.
The story behind the word. The term 'adhesive tape' is a combination of 'adhesive' and 'tape.' 'Adhesive' comes from the Latin adhaerere, meaning 'to stick to.' 'Tape' comes from Old English tæppe, referring to a narrow strip of material. So, it's a 'sticky strip.' The invention of modern adhesive tape is often credited to Richard Drew at 3M in the 1920s, who developed masking tape and later cellophane tape, revolutionizing how we join and mend things.
Word relationships
- sellotape: A common brand name, especially in British English, often used generically.
- scotch tape: A common brand name, especially in American English, often used generically.
Word family
- adhere (verb): To stick fast to a surface or substance.
- adhesion (noun): The action or state of sticking to a surface or substance.
Collocations
- clear adhesive tape
- double-sided adhesive tape
- masking tape
- scotch tape (brand name)
- apply adhesive tape
Example sentences
- "He used a strong roll of adhesive tape to seal the moving boxes securely." Packaging
- "A small piece of clear adhesive tape was enough to mend the torn page of the book." Repair
Memory hook
It's TAPE that has ADHESIVE (sticky) properties. Sticky strip.
When not to use
For heavy-duty structural bonding (use stronger glues or fasteners) or when a completely invisible bond is required (unless using clear tape).
Fun facts
- The first commercially successful adhesive tape was masking tape, invented by Richard Drew of 3M in 1925.
- Cellophane tape, later known as Scotch Tape, was also invented by Drew in 1930.
Related words
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