glue, isinglass
膠 centers on sticky substances that bind things together: glue and isinglass, a specific fish-derived adhesive.
膠 combines the flesh radical ⺼ with 翏, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to animal-based glue, consistent with the flesh component.
The flesh radical ⺼ suggests something derived from animal parts, and the right side 翏 looks like a sticky substance being stretched. Together they make glue.
For コウ, imagine a sticky glue that makes a 'coh' sound when pulled apart: coh -> コウ, and the glue holds things together.
gelatinous glue (usu. from animal and fish bones, hide, etc.)
agglutination; adhesion
Chinese sumac (Brucea javanica)
neuroglia; glia
neuroglial cell
glioma
glueing
gelatinization; gelatinisation
collagen disease
collagen fiber; collagen fibre
collagen
(gelatin) capsule
mortar
glue and lacquer; great intimacy
colloid
adhesive; binder; glue; agglutinative agent
deadlock; standstill; stalemate; impasse; standoff
agglutinative language
glioblastoma
colloid