Generally, cyanoacrylates rapidly polymerises in the presence of water (specifically hydroxide ions), forming long, strong chains, joining the bonded surfaces together.
Superglue is the generic name for cyanoacrylate based fast-acting adhesives such as: methyl 2-cyanoacrylate & ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are sometimes known as instant glues. The abbreviation CA is commonly used for industrial grades.