Definition
An adhesive made from unvulcanized natural or synthetic rubber dissolved in a solvent such as naphtha or hexane. It is applied to one or both surfaces, the solvent is allowed to evaporate, and the parts are then pressed together to form a flexible, peelable bond.
Plain English
A liquid glue made by dissolving rubber in a solvent. You brush it on, let it dry until tacky, then press the parts together. The bond stays flexible and can usually be peeled apart later without tearing the materials.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, repair, and shop-material discussions, especially where a light adhesive is needed for non-structural work.
Derivation
Cement here is the older general sense of the word — any substance that bonds two surfaces together — not concrete. Rubber cement simply means a bonding fluid whose active ingredient is rubber.
Why Pilots Care
Using the wrong adhesive can let a part come loose, damage material, or create a fire or fume hazard. Rubber cement should be used only where the aircraft instructions allow it.
Intuition Check
Rubber cement is not cement like concrete. It is a rubber-based glue for light bonding, not a strong aircraft structural adhesive.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic brushed rubber cement on both edges of the fabric patch, let it tack up, and pressed it onto the wing covering.
Example Sentence 2
Rubber cement held the template securely in place while the mechanic marked the repair area on the wing.