zinc

noun, often attributive

\ ˈziŋk

Definition of zinc

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

verb

zinced or zincked\ ˈziŋ(k)t

\; zincing or zincking\ ˈziŋ-kiŋ

Definition of zinc (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize

Example Sentences Phrases Containing zinc Learn More About zinc

Examples of zinc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion, and some chain link fence panels have an additional vinyl coating to provide an extra layer of protection while also making the fence more visually appealing. — James Fitzgerald, Popular Mechanics, 4 Aug. 2022 The oil-free sunscreen uses SolarSmart technology along with active skin-protectant ingredients like five percent of zinc to deflect UV rays away from the skin. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022 The team looked for isotopes of zinc preserved in the enamel of each tooth. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 June 2022 The combination of zinc, magnesium, and charcoal work together to give you highly effective odor prevention while delivering a silky-smooth feel. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 May 2022 This fungus does not enjoy eating your skin oil combined with zinc. — Marci Robin, Allure, 16 May 2022 In early April, the proportion of zinc due to leave warehouses to be sold or used jumped to 65% from 26%. — Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 18 Apr. 2022 Now Hindustan Zinc is the world’s second largest producer of zinc, and Balco is one of India’s leading aluminum producers. — Biman Mukherji, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2022 The women’s formula adds the aforementioned vitamins, plus biotin and a boost of calcium and zinc. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zinc.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near zinc

zin

zinc

zinc alkyl

Statistics for zinc

Last Updated

7 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 15 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for zinc

zinc

noun

\ ˈziŋk

Kids Definition of zinc

: a bluish white metal that tarnishes only slightly in moist air and is used mostly to make alloys and to give iron and steel a protective coating

zinc

noun

\ ˈziŋk

Medical Definition of zinc

: 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