Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Adherent \Ad*her"ent\, a. [L. adhaerens, -entis, p. pr.: cf. F.
   adh['e]rent.]
   1. Sticking; clinging; adhering. --Pope.

   2. Attached as an attribute or circumstance.

   3. (Bot.) Congenitally united with an organ of another kind,
      as calyx with ovary, or stamens with petals.

Adherent \Ad*her"ent\, n.
   1. One who adheres; one who adheres; one who follows a
      leader, party, or profession; a follower, or partisan; a
      believer in a particular faith or church.

   2. That which adheres; an appendage. [R.] --Milton.

   Syn: Follower; partisan; upholder; disciple; supporter;
        dependent; ally; backer.

Source : WordNet®

adherent
     adj : sticking fast
     n : someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of
         another [syn: {disciple}]