n 1  :  the action or state of adhering : specif  :  a sticking together of substances (as of glue and wood or of parts united by growth)  2 a  :  the abnormal union of surfaces normally separate by the formation of new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process : also  :  the newly formed uniting tissue <pleural s>   b  :  the union of wound edges esp. by first intention  3  :  the molecular attraction exerted between the surfaces of bodies in contact - compare COHESION2   ad*he*sion*al adj 
 
   
 
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