Construction Materials Vocabulary

verb to stick to something or follow a rule or guideline

• It is important to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the company.
• Make sure you adhere to the guidelines to avoid any trouble.
• Just stick to the plan and adhere to it no matter what.
• In order to succeed, one must adhere to their values and principles.

noun a type of wire that conducts electricity

• The electric wire was carefully installed by the electrician to ensure safety.
• Be careful not to touch that electric wire, it's live!
• I accidentally zapped myself on the dang electric wire.
• The tension between them was like a live electric wire, ready to spark at any moment.

adjective easily crumbled or pulverized

• The archaeological site contained friable soil that crumbled easily when touched.
• Be careful with that old book, the pages are friable and can tear easily.
• I accidentally dropped my phone and now the screen is all friable.
• Her emotions were friable, ready to break at any moment.

verb to harden or solidify, typically through heat or pressure

• The doctor noted the presence of an indurated mass during the physical examination.
• The nurse said the wound looked indurated and needed further evaluation.
• I can't believe how indurated that callus on my foot has become!
• His heart had become indurated after years of disappointment and betrayal.

noun a rubber eraser.

adjective made of rubber or resembling rubber in flexibility or toughness.

• The rubber used in the production of tires is of high quality.
• I always carry a rubber in my bag in case I make a mistake while writing.
• Hey, can you pass me that rubber so I can fix this pencil drawing?
• The team's defense was like a rubber band, always bending but never breaking.

noun a mark or injury caused by burning

verb to burn the surface of something with a sudden, intense heat

• The intense heat from the sun can scorch the earth's surface.
• I left my car parked in the sun and now the seats are scorched.
• Don't touch that pan, it's scorching hot!
• The criticism from her boss seemed to scorch her confidence.

noun a type of paint or finish that has a slight shine or gloss

adjective describing something that has a slight shine or gloss

• The painter recommended using semigloss paint for the trim in the living room.
• I like the look of semigloss paint on my kitchen cabinets.
• I heard that semigloss is the way to go for a sleek finish.
• Her smile had a semigloss quality to it, shining brightly in the sunlight.

noun the upper layer of soil, typically rich in organic matter and conducive to plant growth

• The topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, rich in nutrients and organic matter.
• Make sure you plant the seeds deep enough to reach the topsoil.
• I heard this new fertilizer works wonders for your topsoil.
• Just like topsoil is essential for a healthy garden, a strong foundation is crucial for success in life.

noun a slender rod or filament of drawn metal

verb to fasten, bind, or connect with wire

• The electrician carefully connected the wires to ensure a secure connection.
• I need to fix the wire that's hanging loose in the backyard.
• Let's ditch this place and hit the wire before anyone notices.
• His emotions were like a tangled wire, difficult to unravel and make sense of.