Epoxy

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɪˈpɒk.si/

Definitions

1. A type of synthetic adhesive that results from a chemical reaction between a resin and a hardener, commonly used in construction, crafts, and repairs
2. A durable and versatile polymer compound formed through the reaction of resin and hardener, frequently utilized in various industrial applications
3. A strong adhesive created from the reaction of resin and hardener that is often used in building, crafting, and restoration projects

Etymology: "Epoxy" is a compound built from the prefix "ep-" and the element "-oxy," and its name points straight to the chemistry behind it. The "-oxy" part comes from the element oxygen, which was named in the 1770s by Antoine Lavoisier and his circle from Greek roots meaning "acid-maker" (oxys, sharp or acid, plus genes, producing). Chemists later used "-oxy" to mark a bridge of one oxygen atom joining two carbon groups, and the "ep-" prefix, short for "epi-" meaning "upon" or "on," describes the arrangement of that oxygen bridge sitting on a ring of carbon atoms. The resulting compound, the epoxide, is the reactive ring at the heart of these resins. When a resin containing these rings meets a hardener, the rings open and link into a rigid network, which is why the adhesive sets so hard and bonds so well to surfaces.