: 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
: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize
Examples of zinc in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Researchers in China have developed new zinc–air batteries that maintain stable charge–discharge operation for over 1,100 hours.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
The device, which clamps onto the line just above the hook and pairs zinc and graphite in seawater, creates a small electric field about the size of a beachball around the hook, and rattles approaching sharks.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
This chewable vitamin has 15 essential nutrients, so men benefit from omega-3 fish oil, vitamin E for antioxidant health, zinc for the immune system and vitamin D3 for bone health.
—Pubsubhub User, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zinc
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Noun
Supports metabolism and immunity due to its iron, B vitamins, and zinc content.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Researchers in China have developed new zinc–air batteries that maintain stable charge–discharge operation for over 1,100 hours.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
The device, which clamps onto the line just above the hook and pairs zinc and graphite in seawater, creates a small electric field about the size of a beachball around the hook, and rattles approaching sharks.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
This chewable vitamin has 15 essential nutrients, so men benefit from omega-3 fish oil, vitamin E for antioxidant health, zinc for the immune system and vitamin D3 for bone health.
—Pubsubhub User, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zinc
Cite this Entry
“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
zinc
noun
: 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
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