epoxy

epoxy — noun

IPA/ɪˈpɒksi/
KK[ɪpˈɑksi]IPA/ɪˈpɑːksi/
  • epoxysingular
  • epoxiesplural

1. a very strong glue or resin used to join, cover, or fill things, especially when

1.nounB2
Definition

a very strong glue or resin used to join, cover, or fill things, especially when a hard waterproof surface is needed.

Example

The plumber sealed the cracked pipe with epoxy before turning the water back on.

seal a crack with epoxy

We used epoxy to fix the loose handle on the garden gate.

Common collocations
  • two-part epoxy
  • epoxy resin
  • epoxy coating
  • mix epoxy
  • apply epoxy
Synonyms
  • adhesive

    a broader and more formal term for any bonding substance

  • glue

    the everyday general word, often less specific about strength or chemical type

  • resin

    focuses on the material itself and is often used in industrial or chemical contexts

Usage Note

Often refers to a two-part material that is mixed before use. In everyday repair contexts it is usually treated as uncountable, but a countable use like 'an epoxy' can mean a particular product or type.

Common Mistakes

We fixed the chair with an epoxy.
We fixed the chair with epoxy.
when you mean the material in general, epoxy is usually uncountable; use 'an epoxy' only for a specific type or product.

epoxy — verb

IPA/ɪˈpɒk.si/
KK[ɪpˈɑksi]IPA/ɪˈpɑːk.si/

epoxy — adjective

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Epoxy', 'adhesive', 'glue', and 'resin' can all appear in repair or manufacturing contexts, but they are not interchangeable. 'Glue' is the broad everyday word for anything sticky that joins surfaces, while 'adhesive' is the more formal general term used on product labels and in technical writing. 'Epoxy' usually refers to a particularly strong resin-based material, often sold in two parts that are mixed before use; it is chosen when the bond must resist water, heat, or pressure. 'Resin' names the material family rather than the repair purpose, so it often appears in chemical, industrial, or art contexts instead of simple household fixes. If you are mending a paper craft, 'glue' is natural; if you are fixing a cracked sink or metal fitting, 'epoxy' is the more precise word.

adhesive ↗glue ↗resin ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • epoxy resin
  • epoxy glue
  • epoxy coating
  • epoxy bond

Verbs

  • mix epoxy
  • apply epoxy
  • cure epoxy

Phrases

  • two-part epoxy
  • epoxy for repairs
  • waterproof epoxy coating

Etymology

First known use

1954

1954, in the meaning defined above Verb