zinc

1 of 2

noun

: 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 How to pronounce zinc (audio) ; zincing or zincking ˈziŋ-kiŋ How to pronounce zinc (audio)

transitive verb

: to treat or coat with zinc : galvanize

Examples of zinc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc How to Use: Apply to clean, dry skin, following with moisturizer (and sunscreen, if using in the AM). Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024 Potassium, Magnesium, and Zinc Potassium, magnesium, and zinc are electrolytes. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2024 Immune support: Consider taking immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics before and during travel encourages Dr. Davis. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Certain vitamins and minerals may help prevent and manage telogen effluvium, including iron, zinc, vitamins A, B12, and D, biotin (vitamin B7), and folate (vitamin B9). Mark Gurarie, Health, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zinc 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

German Zink

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinc was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near zinc

Cite this Entry

“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on zinc

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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