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
These include protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, vitamin C, folate, niacin and vitamin A, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 Each drink also includes fruit juices from concentrate, 6 grams of prebiotic fiber, zinc, vitamin C, soluble corn fiber, and monk fruit extract. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025 In their whole form, grains provide B vitamins, Vitamin E, selenium, zinc, copper, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 Once larger and made of pure copper, the penny has since been downsized to three-quarters of an inch and is now 97.5% zinc and plated with copper. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025 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 26 Feb. 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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