noun Uncommon

zinc

ZIHNGK

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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.”

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."

"The roof was covered with sheets of zinc that had turned dull grey."

verb

To coat something with a protective layer of zinc.

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

"The factory will zinc the steel bars so they last longer in the rain."

"We decided to zinc the old gate instead of buying a new one."

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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: zincs
Third person singular: zincs
Past tense: zinced, zinked, zincked

Test yourself on “zinc” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: German

Synonyms

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galvanize Zn zincum

Related words

thrill motivate galvanize enthrill startle electrify yerk

Rhymes for zinc

Inc Linc

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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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