zinc

play

noun, often attributive \ˈziŋk\

Definition of zinc

: 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 element table

See zinc defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of zinc from the Web

Founded by surfers, Pacifica uses safe and sustainable ingredients; zinc oxide is the UV-deflector here.

— jessica prince erlich, The Cut, "9 Spray-On Sunscreens That Make Avoiding Sun Damage Easy", 23 June 2017
Also fertilize three times per year with foliar micronutrients that include magnesium, zinc, and manganese.

— noris ledesma, miamiherald, "Taming the wild mango", 22 June 2017
The Franklin Mineral Museum tells the story of the Franklin zinc mine in Sussex County.

— CBS News, "Franklin Mineral Museum: Burglars steal $30,000 in gems, leave trail of blood", 20 June 2017
Other readers have found relief from hemorrhoid pain with witch hazel or zinc oxide.

— teresa graedon, The Seattle Times, "Getting to the bottom of her postpartum pain", 11 June 2017
The micronutrients (or trace elements) are used in very tiny amounts and include boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.

— dan gill, NOLA.com, "Fertilizer is not plant food: the myths and truths about proper plant fertilizing", 27 May 2017
Rheinzink, a 100% recyclable zinc material, defines the roofline of the home.

— carren jao, latimes.com, "A Pacific Palisades home is remodeled to welcome a stunning ocean view", 26 May 2017
Nutrients (especially choline, folic acid, zinc, iron and special fats like omega-3 DHA) actually can modify gene structure and expression, effecting brain growth and development.

— by michael roizen, m.d., and mehmet oz, m.d., idahostatesman, "Nutrition and human interaction give baby a brain-boost", 26 May 2017
Although more research is needed, the group says consumers should look for three things: an SPF between 30 and 50 to protect from UVB rays, zinc oxide and titanium oxide to ward off UVA rays, and no oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.

— robert jimison, CNN, "Experts' tips for choosing the safest sunscreen", 23 May 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of zinc

German Zink

NEW!

First Known Use: 1651

See Words from the same year

zinc

verb

Definition of zinc

zinced

zincked

play \ˈziŋ(k)t\;

zincing

zincking

play \ˈziŋ-kiŋ\

transitive verb
: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize

First Known Use of zinc

1841

ZINC Defined for English Language Learners

zinc

play

noun

Definition of zinc for English Language Learners

: a bluish-white metal that is very common and is used especially to make brass and as a protective coating for things made of iron and steel

ZINC Defined for Kids

zinc

play

noun \ˈziŋk\

Definition of zinc for Students

: 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

Medical Dictionary

zinc

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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 element table