hot-glue
UK[ˈhɒt ɡluː]US[ˈhɑːt ɡluː]
n
A type of adhesive, typically solid at room temperature, that is melted by a special applicator gun and bonds materials as it cools.
v
To join or repair something using hot-melt adhesive.
Morpheme Breakdown
hot
glue
hot
adjective
glue
noun/verb
Etymology
The compound 'hot-glue' is a transparent modern formation describing a tool by its method of application. The element 'hot' derives from the ancient Proto-Germanic root meaning "heat," emphasizing the required state of the adhesive for it to be workable. 'Glue' traces back to Latin glūten, referring to any sticky substance used for bonding. The compound's logic is entirely literal: it is a 'glue' that must be applied 'hot,' directly linking the descriptive modifier to the core material to create a specific technical term within crafting and manufacturing.
Analysis
Structure: hot (adjective) + glue (noun/verb)
- hot: From Old English hāt ("hot, fervent, intense"), of Proto-Germanic origin. Functions as an adjective modifying the type of 'glue'.
- glue: From Old French glu ("birdlime"), from Late Latin glūs, glūtis, from Latin glūten ("glue"). Functions as the core noun/verb element.
Examples
She secured the decoration with a dab of hot-glue.
You can easily hot-glue these pieces together for a temporary fix.
The project requires a hot-glue gun and several glue sticks.