zinc

1 of 2

noun

ˈziŋk 

: 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

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

Saltair’s refill pods lean on BHAs and zinc ricinoleate to tackle odor while smoothing skin — a skincare-crossover pitch that reframes deodorant as part of a beauty routine rather than a utilitarian purchase. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

Ridges can form due to common deficiencies (like zinc or iron), or due to natural aging. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026

The United States also depends on Canada for critical minerals, such as zinc, tellurium and nickel. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 15 Sep. 2026

Beef also provides high-quality protein as well as vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, and selenium. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 15 Sep. 2026

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

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

Rhymes for zinc

• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque
• clink
• dink
• drink
• fink
• hink
• ink
• kink
• klink

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 metallic chemical element with atomic number 30 that is an essential micronutrient for both plants and animals

—symbol Zn see Chemical Elements Table