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

Key ingredients: Copper peptides, sodium PCA, zinc oxide Size: 1.9 fl. oz. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 8 May 2025

Mineral filters have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide while chemical filters have oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

However, the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (which reflect UV rays) can leave a white cast on darker skin tones. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025

This week the brand, which already offers moisturizers, cleansers, serums, masks and exfoliants, broke into the SPF category with a factor 50 sunscreen for the face and body that features 20 percent zinc oxide. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 5 Mar. 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)