zinc

1 of 2

noun

ˈziŋk 

: 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

zinc

2 of 2

verb

zinced or zincked ˈziŋ(k)t  ; zincing or zincking ˈziŋ-kiŋ 

transitive verb

: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize

Examples of zinc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Notably, the electrode achieves maximum storage efficiency without overcrowding by first packing the larger zinc ions and following with the smaller protons. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

The Daily Hormone & Stress Support focuses on stress management and healthy cortisol levels, with ingredients including ashwagandha, rhodiola, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B12. — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026

Consuming foods containing large amounts of minerals, including zinc and copper, can affect calcium absorption. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2026

Freight service on the line largely ended in 1982 after the closure of the Faro lead-zinc mine in the Yukon, but the railroad was revived in 1988 as a heritage attraction. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

German Zink

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zinc

• diethyl zinc
• mossy zinc
• zinc blende
• zinc chloride
• zinc oxide
• zinc sulfate
• zinc sulfide
• zinc white

Rhymes for zinc

• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque
• clink
• dink
• drink
• fink
• hink
• ink
• kink
• klink

Kids Definition

zinc

noun

ˈziŋk

: a bluish white metallic element that is commonly found in minerals and is used especially in alloys and as a protective coating for iron and steel see element

Medical Definition

zinc

noun

ˈziŋk 

: 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