: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Carley Millhone, Health, 16 Mar. 2026
Then there are micronutrients like zinc, boron, molybdenum and others.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Pennies minted after 1982 are the most common household source of zinc, but it’s found in other objects, as well.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Rely on the soil sample analysis to determine the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and boron in your soil.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zinc
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Pumpkin seeds contain more protein and essential minerals than almonds, including magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 16 Mar. 2026
Then there are micronutrients like zinc, boron, molybdenum and others.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Pennies minted after 1982 are the most common household source of zinc, but it’s found in other objects, as well.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Rely on the soil sample analysis to determine the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and boron in your soil.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
