zinc

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
: a bluish-white metallic element 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 see Chemical Elements Table

zinc

2 of 2

verb

zinced or zincked ˈziŋ(k)t How to pronounce zinc (audio) ; zincing or zincking ˈziŋ-kiŋ How to pronounce zinc (audio)

transitive verb

: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize

Examples of zinc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Mineral sunscreen uses physical blockers like zinc and titanium to protect your skin, while the latter uses chemical filters. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 17 June 2024 The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) notes that swimming in saltwater can help replenish essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc, which play a vital role in supporting immune function and overall well-being. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2024 Demand for zinc and other supplements exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, with sales for zinc growing 168.3% during 2020. Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2024 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Pace Industries, a North American leader in full-service aluminum, zinc and magnesium die casting, announced its intention to lay off 90 workers at its Grafton facility. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for zinc 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zinc.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

German Zink

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinc was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near zinc

Cite this Entry

“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

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
: a bluish white crystalline bivalent metallic element of low to intermediate hardness that is an essential micronutrient for both plants and animals
symbol Zn
see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on zinc

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