Gluey

Gluey is an English adjective used to describe a substance, surface, or texture that is sticky and tacky, resembling glue in its adhesive quality. It conveys a sense of high viscosity or cohesiveness that causes materials to cling to one another or to a contact surface. The term can also describe something that feels sticky to the touch, such as a glaze, sauce, or paste.

Etymology and usage notes: gluey is formed from the noun glue with the -y suffix to indicate a characteristic. It is widely understood in everyday language and is typically reserved for notable adhesive properties rather than minor stickiness.

Domains of use: In cooking or food science, a sauce or starch can become gluey if it cooks to a thick, cohesive consistency. In crafts, construction, or materials science, a gluey mixture refers to a substance with strong adhesive tendencies. In geology or soil science, moist clay or loam may become gluey, taking on a tacky feel that affects handling. Figuratively, gluey can describe situations or relationships that feel clingy or hard to disengage from, though this use is less formal than its literal sense.

Related terms and contrasts: synonyms include sticky, tacky, gummy, and viscous. Antonyms include dry, nonsticky, and nonviscous. Gluey is often chosen to emphasize a pronounced or noticeable level of adhesion, whether describing a physical material or a metaphorical situation.