zinc

[ zingk ]

noun

1. Chemistry. a ductile, bluish-white metallic element: used in making galvanized iron, brass, and other alloys, and as an element in voltaic cells. : Zn; : 65.37; : 30; : 7.14 at 20°C.
2. a piece of this metal used as an element in a voltaic cell.

verb (used with object)

zincked or zinced [zingkt],zincking or zincing [zing, -king].

1. to coat or cover with zinc.

zinc

/ zɪŋk /

noun

1. a brittle bluish-white metallic element that becomes coated with a corrosion-resistant layer in moist air and occurs chiefly in sphalerite and smithsonite. It is a constituent of several alloys, esp brass and nickel-silver, and is used in die-casting, galvanizing metals, and in battery electrodes. Symbol: Zn; atomic no: 30; atomic wt: 65.39; valency: 2; relative density: 7.133; melting pt: 419.58°C; boiling pt: 907°C
2. informal.
   corrugated galvanized iron

zinc

/ zĭngk /

1. A shiny, bluish-white metallic element that is brittle at room temperature but is malleable when heated. It is used in alloys such as brass and bronze, as a coating for iron and steel, and in various household objects. Zinc is essential to human and animal growth. Atomic number 30; atomic weight 65.39; melting point 419.4°C; boiling point 907°C; specific gravity 7.133 (25°C); valence 2.
2. See Periodic Table

Derived Forms

• ˈzincic, adjective
• ˈzincky, adjective

Other Words From

• zincky zincy zinky adjective
• zincoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinc¹

1635–45; < German Zink, perhaps derivative of Zinke ( n ) prong, tine, from the spikelike form it takes in a furnace

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinc¹

C17: from German Zink, perhaps from Zinke prong, from its jagged appearance in the furnace

Example Sentences

“What the data show is that they have a very high selectivity for radioactive elements” over essential metals like zinc and calcium.

From Los Angeles Times

Current chelators designed to treat lead poisoning can also remove essential metals such as calcium and zinc.

From Los Angeles Times

But Zuckerberg hit a coolness nadir when paparazzi photographed him in Hawaii riding an electric surfboard with his bubble butt popped out and face lathered—absolutely caked—with bright-white zinc oxide sunscreen.

From Slate

It’s important to use sunscreen specifically made for animals, Jae says, because most sunscreens for humans contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are toxic to pets if ingested.

From Los Angeles Times

Soil samples taken from Jordan’s campus show excessive concentrations of lead and zinc, according to authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gold
• iron
• metal
• mineral
• platinum