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

2 of 2

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

Palumbo noted that the seeds also provide modest amounts of zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin E, each of which plays important roles in metabolism, immune health, and protecting cells from oxidative damage. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Key Takeaways Taking more than 40 milligrams of zinc daily for long periods can cause copper deficiency and damage the nervous system, causing irreversible issues like numbness, muscle weakness, and vision problems. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026

In summer 2024, the board brought in a water-testing consultant whose analysis found elevated levels of zinc, aluminum, iron, and copper. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Aug. 2026

Some of the vitamins and minerals include vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, B6, B12 and zinc. — Pubsubhub User, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 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