noun

zinc

ZIHNGK

noun

A bluish-white metallic chemical element (symbol Zn, atomic number 30) that is somewhat brittle at room temperature and dulls slightly when exposed to damp air.

"Galvanized nails are coated in a thin layer of zinc to stop them rusting."

"Zinc is added to copper to make brass."

verb

To coat something with a protective layer of zinc.

"The fence posts were zinced before being installed outside."

How to Use Zinc

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA metal used to protect steel from rust and as a mineral your body needs in small amounts.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the metal zinc with zinc oxide sunscreen, which is a compound made from it, not the pure element.

Common pairings

zinc oxide zinc deficiency galvanized with zinc

Word Forms

zinced past tense, zinked past tense, zincked past tense, zincs plural, zincs singular

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Galvanized nails are coated in a thin layer of _____ to stop them rusting.

Etymology

From German Zink, related to Zinke ("point, prong") — the metal was apparently named for the pointed, spiky shape its crystals form when it solidifies.

Synonyms

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zincum

Rhymes for zinc

Inc Linc

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