cohesion

This term describes the internal force that binds a system together, whether that system is physical, social, or intellectual. In a scientific sense, it refers to the molecular attraction that allows a substance to hold its own shape, distinct from adhesion, which is the attraction between different substances. In social and linguistic contexts, it implies a seamless integration where individual parts function as a unified whole. When applied to writing, it refers to the structural glue—such as transitions and pronouns—that prevents a text from feeling fragmented or disjointed.