rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryglutinousSticky texture
adjective

glutinous

GLOO-tuh-nuhs/ˈɡluːtənəs/

Sticky and gummy in texture.

The glutinous paste stretches in a heavy strand beneath the lifted spoon.

A wooden spoon lifted above a small bowl of thick amber paste, with a heavy, sticky strand stretching between the coated spoon and the paste below.
Etymology
glutinLatinglue
+ousLatinfull of, resembling

The underlying image is glue: something glutinous has glue's sticky, clinging character. The adjective describes an adhesive texture, not necessarily an actual glue.

In context

Frederic Obrien40:06
tropical Sun bakes a thin crust on the surface of the soil keeping the thick glutinous soup protected underneath
The History of the Panama Canal documentary

More examples

  • The glutinous dough clings to my fingers.
  • Too much starch makes the sauce unpleasantly glutinous.
  • She scrapes the glutinous residue from the bottom of the pan.

Forms

glutinous

Similar words

sticky
Broadly describes things that cling, without necessarily being gummy.
gummy
Suggests a thick, soft consistency resembling gum.
viscous
Emphasizes resistance to flowing rather than a tendency to stick.