zinc

1 of 2

noun

ˈziŋk 

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  ; 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

Also, the antioxidants and magnesium in oats help curb inflammation, while zinc supports immunity and healing. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 31 Oct. 2023

According to the American Heart Association, eating pumpkin seeds is great for adding fiber, magnesium (which can lower blood pressure), and zinc (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent) to your diet. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2023

As well as providing important nutrients and vitamins such as zinc and vitamin D which help fortify the immune system against pathogens, eating lots of fibrous foods helps support a healthy gut microbiome. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2023

This is particularly true of fenugreek, ginseng, zinc, and magnesium. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023

Nuts and seeds Nuts and seeds contain zinc and a handful of other essential hair care nutrients. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2023

Like zinc, ashwagandha extract increases the amount of luteinizing hormone in the body. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023

Most BBs are made of steel, and are sometimes coated in another material, such as copper or zinc, to stave off corrosion. —T. Logan Metesh, Field & Stream, 4 Oct. 2023

Each serving is packed with elderberry, zinc, prebiotics, and post-biotics, which all help fight off illnesses, should the wrong bacteria enter your body. —Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2023

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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

• zinc blende
• zinc white
• zinc oxide
• diethyl zinc
• zinc sulfide
• zinc chloride
• mossy zinc
• zinc sulfate

• zinc blende
• zinc white
• zinc oxide
• diethyl zinc
• zinc sulfide
• zinc chloride
• mossy zinc
• zinc sulfate

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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 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