Apply adhesive to artificial gems (5)

I believe the answer is:

paste

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'artificial gems' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for paste that I've seen before include "Tapes (anag.)" , "defeat" , "Watery cement" , "Stick using tapes" , "foie gras" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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