zinc

1 of 2

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

The research further stated that approximately that 17% of the global population lacks adequate zinc intake, with this figure climbing to 19% in Asia and 24% in Africa. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Foods High in Zinc People with HS may be at a higher risk of zinc deficiency. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Dec. 2024

Editor’s tip: Incorporate hair-friendly nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, omega-3s, and zinc into your diet to support overall hair health. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024

Good animal sources of zinc are oysters, beef, pork and chicken. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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