: 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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Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
At this range, metals like copper, silver, and zinc are mixed in to help retain the gold’s strength and resist scratches.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 May 2026
Antioxidants and nutrients in asparagus, such as vitamin C and zinc, may reduce oxidative stress and improve long-term glycemic control.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 18 May 2026
That water is heated by magma below and shoots back upward, bringing with it precious minerals such as copper, zinc and gold, along with the iron and sulfur found in the snail’s shell.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
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Noun
Unsweetened cacao powder adds chocolate depth along with zinc, iron and magnesium, and cardiologists link it to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol support.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
At this range, metals like copper, silver, and zinc are mixed in to help retain the gold’s strength and resist scratches.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 May 2026
Antioxidants and nutrients in asparagus, such as vitamin C and zinc, may reduce oxidative stress and improve long-term glycemic control.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 18 May 2026
That water is heated by magma below and shoots back upward, bringing with it precious minerals such as copper, zinc and gold, along with the iron and sulfur found in the snail’s shell.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 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 23 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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