zinc oxide

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white or yellowish-white, amorphous, odorless, water-insoluble powder, ZnO, used chiefly as a paint pigment, in cosmetics, dental cements, matches, white printing inks, and opaque glass, and in medicine in the treatment of skin conditions.

zinc oxide

noun

1. a white insoluble powder used as a pigment in paints ( zinc white or Chinese white ), cosmetics, glass, and printing inks. It is an antiseptic and astringent and is used in making zinc ointment. Formula: ZnO Also calledflowers of zincphilosopher's wool

zinc oxide

1. A white or yellowish powdery compound used in paints and in various medicines and skin cosmetics. Chemical formula: ZnO.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinc oxide¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

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

Finally, each device is coated in zinc oxide nanowires which give the emitter a level of porosity that enables it to effectively filter and transport liquids.

From Science Daily

The zinc oxide material was chosen for its piezoelectric properties, which means that when it waves, bends, or deforms under motion, it generates electric potential.

From Science Daily

The researchers layered platinum, hafnium oxide and zinc oxide and added the stacked materials on top of the original magnetoelectric film.

From Science Daily

The FDA’s September 2021 proposal included keeping the status of the two remaining active ingredients—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two compounds used in mineral sunscreens—as GRASE.

From Scientific American