: 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
Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 3 Dec. 2025
In addition to launching repairable components and new Natulon Plus products that support garment-to-garment recycling, the company began in-house recycling trials at the Kurobe plant for copper and zinc alloys used in zippers.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 Dec. 2025
Taking zinc lozenges by mouth within 24 hours of symptoms starting may relieve cold symptoms.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 28 Nov. 2025
Very high amounts of fiber—more than 70 grams per day—can bind to minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
—Danielle Zickl, SELF, 27 Nov. 2025
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Noun
Fish and other lean protein sources, like poultry, beans, tofu, and eggs, also provide iron, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, and magnesium, Petitpain said.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 3 Dec. 2025
In addition to launching repairable components and new Natulon Plus products that support garment-to-garment recycling, the company began in-house recycling trials at the Kurobe plant for copper and zinc alloys used in zippers.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 Dec. 2025
Taking zinc lozenges by mouth within 24 hours of symptoms starting may relieve cold symptoms.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 28 Nov. 2025
Very high amounts of fiber—more than 70 grams per day—can bind to minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
—Danielle Zickl, SELF, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zinc
Cite this Entry
“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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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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