no-stick
UK[ˌnəʊ ˈstɪk]US[ˌnoʊ ˈstɪk]
adj
(of a surface, especially a pan) having a coating that prevents food from sticking during cooking
Morpheme Breakdown
no
stick
no
negative
stick
adhere
Etymology
The term 'no-stick' is a modern English compound adjective formed by combining the negative particle 'no' with the verb 'stick'. The logic is transparent and descriptive: a 'no-stick' surface is one where materials, particularly food, do not adhere. The word 'stick' itself has deep Germanic roots, from the Old English 'stician', related to the concept of piercing or fixing in place, which evolved to include the sense of clinging or adhering. This compound emerged in the mid-20th century specifically to describe the revolutionary non-adhesive coatings, like Teflon, applied to cookware.
Analysis
Structure: no (negative) + stick (adhere)
no: From Old English 'nā', a compound of 'ne' (not) + 'ā' (ever). A negative particle.
stick: From Old English 'stician', meaning to pierce, remain fixed, or adhere. In this compound, it carries the sense of 'adhere'.
Examples
For healthier cooking, use a no-stick pan with just a little oil.
The no-stick coating on the baking tray makes cleanup much easier.
Over time, the no-stick surface can wear down if scratched with metal utensils.