: 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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Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Research on its effectiveness is mixed, but zinc is unlikely to stop you from getting sick.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025
The administration also has pushed to develop critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, gold and zinc.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
This 2024 Best of Beauty winner delivers intense moisture without heaviness, thanks to panthenol (vitamin B3), vitamin E, zinc, and peptides that tackle dryness from root to tip.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 7 Oct. 2025
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Noun
While Ben worked in the zinc die-casting industry, Fleda took on a variety of roles—mother, wife, bank worker, business partner—each with the same dedication and warmth that had always defined her.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Research on its effectiveness is mixed, but zinc is unlikely to stop you from getting sick.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025
The administration also has pushed to develop critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, gold and zinc.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
This 2024 Best of Beauty winner delivers intense moisture without heaviness, thanks to panthenol (vitamin B3), vitamin E, zinc, and peptides that tackle dryness from root to tip.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zinc
Cite this Entry
“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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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