: 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
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Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Instead its body functions as a simple type of battery called a galvanic cell—the two electrodes, made of different combinations of magnesium, zinc and molybdenum, react with the naturally occurring electrolytes in bodily fluids to produce an electric current.
—Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2025
Chia Pudding Chia seeds are high in fiber, healthy fats, and minerals like calcium, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Nutrient Profile and Additional Health Benefits Pecans are packed with calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and the highest antioxidant content of any tree nut.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
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Noun
Studies on the effectiveness of zinc in people with ED are lacking.
—Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Instead its body functions as a simple type of battery called a galvanic cell—the two electrodes, made of different combinations of magnesium, zinc and molybdenum, react with the naturally occurring electrolytes in bodily fluids to produce an electric current.
—Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2025
Chia Pudding Chia seeds are high in fiber, healthy fats, and minerals like calcium, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Nutrient Profile and Additional Health Benefits Pecans are packed with calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and the highest antioxidant content of any tree nut.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zinc
Cite this Entry
“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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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
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