English Dictionary |
GLUTINOUS
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Dictionary entry overview: What does glutinous mean?
• GLUTINOUS (adjective)
The adjective GLUTINOUS has 1 sense:
1. having the sticky properties of an adhesive
Familiarity information: GLUTINOUS used as an adjective is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Having the sticky properties of an adhesive
Synonyms:
gluey; glutinous; gummy; mucilaginous; pasty; sticky; viscid; viscous
Similar:
adhesive (tending to adhere)
Derivation:
gluten (a protein substance that remains when starch is removed from cereal grains; gives cohesiveness to dough)
glutinosity; glutinousness (the property of having a viscosity like jelly)
Context examples
And he proposed further, that by employing spiders, the charge of dyeing silks should be wholly saved; whereof I was fully convinced, when he showed me a vast number of flies most beautifully coloured, wherewith he fed his spiders, assuring us that the webs would take a tincture from them; and as he had them of all hues, he hoped to fit everybody’s fancy, as soon as he could find proper food for the flies, of certain gums, oils, and other glutinous matter, to give a strength and consistence to the threads.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
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