bonding agent

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A substance used to make two surfaces or materials stick firmly together.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a bonding agent' or 'bonding agents'. Often used with 'use' or 'apply'.

   Patterns

   • use a bonding agent
   • apply a bonding agent to something
   • a bonding agent for something

   The dentist applied a bonding agent before filling the cavity.

   For a strong repair, clean the surfaces and then use a bonding agent.

   This bonding agent works well on metal and plastic.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A chemical added to a mixture to help its ingredients hold together.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in technical descriptions of paints, cements, or cosmetics.

   Patterns

   • add a bonding agent to something
   • act as a bonding agent

   The manufacturer adds a bonding agent to the paint so it adheres better.

   In this recipe, the egg acts as a bonding agent.

Word forms

Common combinations

chemical bonding agent

A chemical bonding agent is needed to join these two materials.

dental bonding agent

The dental bonding agent helps the filling stay in place.

apply a bonding agent

Apply a bonding agent to both surfaces before pressing them together.

strong bonding agent

You need a strong bonding agent for outdoor repairs.

Synonyms and how they differ

adhesive

A more general word for any substance that sticks things together; 'bonding agent' is often used in technical or dental contexts.

glue

An everyday word for a sticky substance, usually for home use; 'bonding agent' sounds more formal or industrial.

cement

A specific type of bonding agent, often for building materials; not all bonding agents are cement.

Word family

bond verb

To join things firmly together.

bonding noun

The process of joining or forming a close connection.

Commonly confused: bonding agent or binding agent?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “bonding agent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words