zinc oxide

noun

: an infusible white solid ZnO used especially as a pigment, in compounding rubber, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (such as ointments and sunblocks)

Examples of zinc oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So the researchers combined it with a molecular sieve of zinc oxide as well as a membrane that blocks water molecules present in the breath. —New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2025

Switch to a physical (mineral) sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which may be gentler on sensitive skin. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2025

Those products contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which block UV radiation but are too tiny to scatter visible light. —Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 23 Aug. 2025

The buildable, full-coverage formula disguises hyperpigmentation without feeling heavy, while zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to help keep discoloration from worsening. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zinc oxide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

Kids Definition

zinc oxide

noun

: a white substance that is used as a white pigment, is added to rubber, and is used in medical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and sunblocks)

Medical Definition

zinc oxide

noun

: a white solid ZnO used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and powders)