zinc
Zinc (noun) 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. Example: “Galvanized nails are coated in a thin layer of zinc to stop them rusting.”
How to use zinc
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA metal used to protect steel from rust and as a mineral your body needs in small amounts.
Don't confuse the metal zinc with zinc oxide sunscreen, which is a compound made from it, not the pure element.
Word forms
zinced past tense, zinked past tense, zincked past tense, zincs plural, zincs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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Rhymes for zinc
See all rhymes for 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.
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