nonstick
UK[ˌnɒnˈstɪk]US[ˌnɑːnˈstɪk]
adj
(of a surface, especially of a cooking pan) covered with a substance that prevents food from sticking to it
Morpheme Breakdown
non
stick
non
not
stick
adhere
Etymology
The word "nonstick" is a modern English compound formed in the 20th century, directly combining the negative prefix "non-" with the verb "stick." The prefix "non-" derives from Latin non, meaning "not," a strengthened form of the Proto-Indo-European negative particle ne. The verb "stick" originates from Old English stician, meaning "to pierce" or "to remain fixed," which itself evolved from the Proto-Germanic stikōną, related to the concept of a pointed object. The compound's logic is transparently descriptive, literally meaning "not sticking," and was created to label the innovative property of cookware surfaces treated with materials like Teflon, which prevent food adhesion during cooking.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + stick (adhere)
- non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not" or "the opposite of." It functions as a negative or privative element.
- stick: A verb of Old English origin (from stician), meaning "to adhere" or "to pierce." In this compound, it carries the sense of "adhering."
Examples
She cooked the eggs in a nonstick frying pan.
For easier cleanup, always use nonstick bakeware.
The manufacturer guarantees the nonstick coating for five years.