sticky

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having the properties of an adhesive

   The tape was really sticky.

2. 2
   adj

   moist as with undried perspiration and with clothing sticking to the body

   felt sticky and chilly at the same time

3. 3
   adj

   Tending to stick; able to adhere via the drying of a viscous substance.

   Is this tape sticky enough to stay on that surface?

4. 4
   adj

   Difficult, awkward.

   This is a sticky situation. We could be in this for weeks if we're not careful.

5. 5
   adj

   Of a death: unpleasant, grisly.

   Salmond studied medieval Scottish history as well as economics at university so he cannot say he has not had fair warning – it was even more turbulent and bloody than England at that time – and plenty of Scotland's kings and leaders came to a sticky end. If it happens this time, it won't be dull.

6. 6
   adj

   Of weather: hot and windless and with high humidity, so that people feel sticky from sweating.

   The baby was due in December and the hot, sticky August weather was making Jane uncomfortable.

7. 7
   adj

   Mawkish, sentimental.

   Love you and miss you and wish you all the sticky things one wishes at this season for someone one loves.

8. 8
   adj

   Tending to stay the same; resistant to change.

   a sticky price; sticky wages

Etymology

So called because they sold adhesive lilies to commemorate the Easter Rising.