2. The state of being fixed in attachment; fidelity; steady attachment; adhesion; as, adherence to a party or to opinions.
Syn. — Adherence, Adhesion. These words, which were once freely interchanged, are now almost entirely separated. Adherence is no longer used to denote physical union, but is applied, to mental states or habits; as, a strict adherence to one's duty; close adherence to the argument, etc. Adhesion is now confined chiefly to the physical sense, except in the phrase "To give in one's adhesion to a cause or a party."
ADHERENCY
Ad*her"en*cy, n.
1. The state or quality of being adherent; adherence. [R.]
2. That which adheres. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
ADHERENT
Ad*her"ent, a. Etym: [L. adhaerens, -entis, p. pr.: cf. F. adhérent.]
1. Sticking; clinging; adhering. Pope.
2. Attached as an attribute or circumstance.
3. (Bot.)
Defn: Congenitally united with an organ of another kind, as calyx with ovary, or stamens with petals.