: 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
: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize
Examples of zinc in a Sentence
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Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamin C and zinc.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
In Peru, zinc mining has contaminated the Cunas watershed.
—Abraham Nunbogu, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Surprisingly, it was found that stingers use a distinct layering of zinc at the tip, followed by manganese, while pincers are reinforced with zinc and iron specifically along their cutting edges.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Apr. 2026
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Noun
As for zinc, the enrichment in the chelae was greater in species with reduced crushing power, most likely to compensate for their morphological weakness.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamin C and zinc.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
In Peru, zinc mining has contaminated the Cunas watershed.
—Abraham Nunbogu, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Surprisingly, it was found that stingers use a distinct layering of zinc at the tip, followed by manganese, while pincers are reinforced with zinc and iron specifically along their cutting edges.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zinc
Cite this Entry
“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
zinc
noun
: 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
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