Sticky

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪki

Origin

From stick + -y.

Full definition of sticky

Adjective

1. Able or likely to stick.Is this tape sticky enough to stay on that surface?
2. Potentially difficult to escape from.This is a sticky situation. We could be in this for weeks if we're not careful.
3. (computing, informal, of a setting) Persistent.We should make the printing direction sticky so the user doesn't have to keep setting it.
4. (computing, of a window) Appearing on all virtual desktops.
5. (Internet, of threads on a bulletin board) Fixed at the top of the list of topics or threads so as to keep it in view.
6. (Internet, of a website) Compelling enough to keep visitors from leaving.A woman has come to me with the complaint that her website is not "sticky" - 70% of the visits last 30 seconds or less.
7. Of weather, hot and wind-less and with high humidity, so that people feel sticky from sweating.

Derived terms

• stickily
• stickiness
• sticky-backed plastic
• sticky bit
• sticky fingers
• sticky wicket
• sticky note

Noun

1. A sticky note, such as a post-it note.Her desk is covered with yellow stickies.
2. (manufacturing) A small adhesive particle found in wastepaper.

Verb

1. (Internet, bulletin boards) to fix a thread at the top of the list of topics or threads so as to keep it in view.