zinc oxide

noun

: an infusible white solid ZnO used especially as a pigment, in compounding rubber, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (such as ointments and sunblocks)

Examples of zinc oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chemical Versus Mineral Sunscreens Ingredients in mineral sunscreens act as physical blockers that reflect the sun’s rays off the skin and are primarily formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, Massick explains. —Korin Miller, Outside Online, 14 Mar. 2025

Wear a mineral sunscreen that blocks the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2025

Then there are classics like Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion, which uses a potent blend of sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and calamine to calm zits overnight. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025

The formula is powered by zinc oxide, two silk proteins (sericin and fibroin), niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to protect, moisturize, and prep skin for makeup. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zinc oxide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

Kids Definition

zinc oxide

noun

: a white substance that is used as a white pigment, is added to rubber, and is used in medical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and sunblocks)

Medical Definition

zinc oxide

noun

: a white solid ZnO used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations (as ointments and powders)