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

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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
Inadequate levels of zinc may also lead to low gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels in the brain, because GABA is directly correlated to blocking signals of fear, stress, and worry, zinc supplementation can improve feelings of anxiousness. Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 25 Dec. 2024 Contain artificial flavoring and additives: Some vitamins and minerals, like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, have a metallic taste. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024 All the members of the legume family are full of nutrients, including copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, zinc, the essential amino acid lysine, and lots of protein and fiber. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 Pure Clean Shampoo uses 1 percent pyrithione zinc, the medicated ingredient that targets the fungus (which naturally resides on the scalp, thank you very much) that contributes to dandruff. Allure Editors, Allure, 19 Nov. 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 2 Jan. 2025.

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

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