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
verbDefinition of zinc (Entry 2 of 2)
: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for zinc
The first known use of zinc was in 1651
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