: 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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Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
When brass is made, the zinc atoms can replace copper atoms in the crystal lattice.
—John Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
The company also owns Sun Metals, a zinc refinery, and Ark Energy, a renewable-energy company, both based in Australia.
—Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2025
If the idea of nature powering electronics tickles your fancy, check out this recyclable battery made from zinc and crab shells, and even this edible rechargeable battery made using seaweed.
—New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for zinc 
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Noun
Quinoa is higher in vitamins and minerals, such as folate, vitamin B6, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and magnesium.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
When brass is made, the zinc atoms can replace copper atoms in the crystal lattice.
—John Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
The company also owns Sun Metals, a zinc refinery, and Ark Energy, a renewable-energy company, both based in Australia.
—Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2025
If the idea of nature powering electronics tickles your fancy, check out this recyclable battery made from zinc and crab shells, and even this edible rechargeable battery made using seaweed.
—New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for zinc
Dictionary Entries Near zinc
Cite this Entry
“Zinc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinc. Accessed 31 Jan. 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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