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
This pack will provide you with a comprehensive prenatal vitamin with key nutrients, including methylated B vitamins, vitamins A, C, E, and D, choline, and important minerals like iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 Bolstering crops with a greater understanding of their roots One of the most important roles that microbes play for plants is upping the roots’ intake of vital nutrients like water, phosphorus, copper and zinc. Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024 Conversely, metals that hold onto their electrons strongly, such as nickel, iron, zinc and titanium, fared poorly. IEEE Spectrum, 19 Mar. 2024 For example, eating chicken gives you protein as well as vitamin B12, zinc and iron. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024 Collagen is a protein made by the body from the essential amino acids proline and glycine with an assist from copper, zinc and vitamin C. One-third of the body’s protein is collagen. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 One review in Dermatologic Surgery found that zinc can even help the skin heal wounds and reduce inflammation. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 How to treat seborrheic dermatitis The most effective way to treat seborrheic dermatitis is by using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid. Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024 Can taking a zinc supplement ensure that your injection goes the distance? Korin Miller, Health, 26 Feb. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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