A strong adhesive or coating made from synthetic resins that hardens when mixed with a catalyst. A type of plastic polymer known for its durability and bonding strength.
From Greek 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'oxy-' from 'oxys' meaning 'sharp' or 'acid,' referring to the chemical structure containing oxygen bridges between carbon atoms. The term was coined in the 1930s when these synthetic polymers were first developed.
Epoxy's name literally means 'oxygen on top,' describing its molecular structure where oxygen atoms bridge between carbon chains, creating incredibly strong bonds. This adhesive has become so synonymous with permanent bonding that 'epoxied' has entered common usage as a verb meaning 'permanently attached.'
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