An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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The force of → attraction between molecules of different substances; for example, the force between the molecules of a solid and a liquid. When water is poured on clean glass, it tends to spread, forming a thin, uniform film over the surface. This is because the adhesive forces between water and glass are strong enough to pull the water molecules out of their spherical formation and hold them against the surface of the glass, thus avoiding the repulsion between like molecules.

→ adhesive; → force.