zinc

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noun

ˈziŋk 

: a bluish-white metallic element with atomic number 30 that is ductile when pure but in the commercial form is brittle at ordinary temperatures and becomes ductile on slight heating, occurs abundantly in minerals, is an essential micronutrient for both plants and animals, and is used especially in alloys and as a protective coating in galvanizing iron and steel

—often used before another noun

a zinc coating

zinc additives

see Chemical Elements Table

zinc

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verb

zinced or zincked ˈziŋ(k)t  ; zincing or zincking ˈziŋ-kiŋ 

transitive verb

: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize

Examples of zinc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pollutants monitored by the permit include arsenic, mercury, chromium, sulfate and zinc, according to the permit application. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

But this serum is especially great for balancing sebum levels and keeping blemishes in check thanks to its high concentration of niacinamide (15%) paired with acne-fighting zinc PCA and soothing allantoin. — Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026

Today, those springs feed five geothermal pools, with temperatures reaching up to 102 degrees and contain minerals like manganese, silicate, and zinc, in a magical setting marked by gurgling fountains and 100-year-old redwood and eucalyptus trees. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The researchers focused on volatile elements such as sodium, zinc and potassium, which evaporate easily at high temperatures. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

German Zink

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zinc

• diethyl zinc
• mossy zinc
• zinc blende
• zinc chloride
• zinc oxide
• zinc sulfate
• zinc sulfide
• zinc white

Rhymes for zinc

• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque
• clink
• dink
• drink
• fink
• hink
• ink
• kink
• klink

Kids Definition

zinc

noun

ˈziŋk

: a bluish white metallic element that is commonly found in minerals and is used especially in alloys and as a protective coating for iron and steel see element

Medical Definition

zinc

noun

ˈziŋk 

: a bluish-white metallic chemical element with atomic number 30 that is an essential micronutrient for both plants and animals

—symbol Zn see Chemical Elements Table