bond

I. noun Etymology: Middle English band, bond — more at band Date: 12th century 1. something that binds or restrains ; fetter 2. a binding agreement ; covenant 3. a. a band or cord used to tie something b. a material or device for binding c. an attractive force that holds together the atoms, ions, or groups of atoms in a molecule or crystal d. an adhesive, cementing material, or fusible ingredient that combines, unites, or strengthens 4. a uniting or binding element or force ; tie <

the bonds of friendship

> 5. a. an obligation made binding by a money forfeit; also the amount of the money guarantee b. one who acts as bail or surety c. an interest-bearing certificate of public or private indebtedness d. an insurance agreement pledging surety for financial loss caused to another by the act or default of a third person or by some contingency over which the third person may have no control 6. the systematic lapping of brick in a wall 7. the state of goods made, stored, or transported under the care of bonded agencies until the duties or taxes on them are paid 8. a 100-proof straight whiskey aged at least four years under government supervision before being bottled — called also bonded whiskey 9. bond paper II. verb Date: 1677 transitive verb 1. to lap (as brick) for solidity of construction 2. a. to secure payment of duties and taxes on (goods) by giving a bond b. to convert into a debt secured by bonds c. to provide a bond for or cause to provide such a bond <

bond an employee

> 3. a. to cause to adhere firmly b. to embed in a matrix c. to hold together in a molecule or crystal by chemical bonds intransitive verb 1. to hold together or solidify by or as if by means of a bond or binder 2. to form a close relationship especially through frequent association <

the new mother bonded with her child

> • bondable adjective • bonder noun III. adjective Etymology: Middle English bonde, from bonde customary tenant, from Old English bōnda householder, from Old Norse bōndi Date: 14th century archaic bound in slavery