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, zinced , zincking, zincing .

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

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

Other Word Forms

• zincic adjective
• zincky adjective
• zincy adjective
• zinky adjective
• zincoid 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

This is similar to the process currently used for making sheets of copper and zinc today.

From BBC

He realised the participants receiving benefits struggled to access proper nutrition, including consuming vitamins like vitamin A, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium.

From BBC

"If you don't want to use a suntan lotion with certain chemicals there are plenty of more natural ones on the market - zinc and mineral based ones - but you can't just stop wearing sunscreen."

From BBC

Critics of the zinc and copper coin say producing it is a waste of money and resources, while those who want to keep it argue it keeps prices lower and boosts fund-raising for charities.

From BBC

Prior soil samples reported from the high school also showed high concentrations of lead and zinc.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gold 
• iron 
• metal 
• mineral 
• platinum