zinc
3 synonyms for zinc, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
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.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use zinc
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
zinc oxide
zinc deficiency
galvanized with zinc
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.
Full origin of zinc →Frequently asked questions
What does “zinc” mean?
The word “zinc” means 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. In plain terms, a metal used to protect steel from rust and as a mineral your body needs in small amounts.
How do you pronounce “zinc”?
“Zinc” is pronounced ZIHNGK (/ˈzɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “zinc” in a sentence?
Here is “zinc” used in a sentence: “Galvanized nails are coated in a thin layer of zinc to stop them rusting.”
What is another word for “zinc”?
Words with a similar meaning to “zinc” include zincum.
What part of speech is “zinc”?
Depending on how it is used, “zinc” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “zinc” come from?
The word “zinc” comes from German. From German Zink, related to Zinke ("point, prong") — the metal was apparently named for the pointed, spiky shape its crystals form when it solidifies.
Is “zinc” a common word?
“Zinc” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “zinc” have?
“Zinc” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: 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.
What is the difference between zinc and iron for galvanizing metal?
Zinc is a bluish-white metallic element often applied as a protective coating to other metals, a process where a piece is "zinced" to guard against corrosion, whereas iron and steel are the base metals typically being protected. Zinc's ability to dull slightly rather than corrode heavily in damp air makes it effective as a protective layer.
What does it mean to "zinc" something?
To "zinc" something means to coat it with a protective layer of zinc, using the verb form of the word. This is commonly done to prevent rust or corrosion on other metals.
What is zinc's chemical symbol and atomic number?
Zinc's chemical symbol is Zn and its atomic number is 30. It is a bluish-white metallic element that is somewhat brittle at room temperature.
