: 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
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Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
And micronutrient needs don’t drop when appetite does — GLP-1 users may be deficient in zinc, copper and magnesium per Food Navigator’s Expo West coverage, so eating less doesn’t mean eating smarter automatically.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
And micronutrient needs don’t drop with appetite; GLP-1 users may be deficient in zinc, copper and magnesium according to Food Navigator’s Expo West coverage.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
The omega-3s from fatty fish like wild salmon play a key role in brain health and provide important nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and zinc that support immune function and overall wellness, Gomes adds.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
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Noun
Micronutrient needs don’t drop with appetite, and GLP-1 users may be deficient in zinc, copper and magnesium according to Food Navigator’s Expo West coverage — minerals tied to immune function, energy and, notably, taste perception itself.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
And micronutrient needs don’t drop when appetite does — GLP-1 users may be deficient in zinc, copper and magnesium per Food Navigator’s Expo West coverage, so eating less doesn’t mean eating smarter automatically.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
And micronutrient needs don’t drop with appetite; GLP-1 users may be deficient in zinc, copper and magnesium according to Food Navigator’s Expo West coverage.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
The omega-3s from fatty fish like wild salmon play a key role in brain health and provide important nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and zinc that support immune function and overall wellness, Gomes adds.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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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