Couple
In physics, the word “couple” is used frequently (in my experience) in a wide variety of situations. It’s used in any way in which things interact.
For example:
- two equations that share a variable can be called “coupled equations”
- Two particles that stick together can be called “coupled particles”
- A photon travelling through a fibre optic cable is “coupled” to the cable
It is for this reason that I will now call glue a “coupling agent”, and things that are glued together as “coupled”. It makes me sound more professional.