Dictionary

cohere

verb co·here \kō-ˈhir\

: to be combined or united in a logical and effective way

co·heredco·her·ing

Full Definition of COHERE

intransitive verb
1
a :  to hold together firmly as parts of the same mass; broadly :  stick, adhere
b :  to display cohesion of plant parts
2
:  to hold together as a mass of parts that cohere
3
a :  to become united in principles, relationships, or interests
b :  to be logically or aesthetically consistent
transitive verb
:  to cause (parts or components) to cohere
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of COHERE

Latin cohaerēre, from co- + haerēre to stick
First Known Use: 1598

Synonym Discussion of COHERE

stick, adhere, cohere, cling, cleave mean to become closely attached. stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together <couldn't get the label to stick>. adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together <antibodies adhering to a virus>. cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass <eggs will make the mixture cohere>. cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils <clinging to a capsized boat>. cleave stresses strength of attachment <the wet shirt cleaved to his back>.

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: coherencePrevious Word in the Dictionary: coheniteAll Words Near: cohere
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears