ENGLISH
REFERENCE

zinc

n. · v.
US //ˈzɪŋk// UK //zˈɪŋk// zinc
  1. 1 the chemical element (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a bluish-white metal that is often used to coat iron or steel to prevent rusting.

    a metallic chemical element, symbol Zn, used in alloys such as brass and for galvanising iron and steel.

    Example

    The roof was made of steel coated in zinc to stop it from rusting in the rain.

    Example

    The industrial process of galvanisation involves dipping steel components into molten zinc to create a protective, corrosion-resistant layer.

  2. 2 the dietary mineral (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a mineral found in food that helps your body's immune system and healing.

    an essential trace element required for the function of various enzymes and the immune system.

    Example

    Oysters and pumpkin seeds are both very high in zinc.

    Example

    Clinical studies suggest that maintaining adequate levels of zinc can significantly reduce the duration of common cold symptoms in healthy adults.
  3. 3 to coat with zinc (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    to cover a metal surface with a layer of zinc.

    to coat or treat a surface with zinc, typically through electroplating or galvanisation.

    Example

    The factory needs to zinc these bolts before they can be used outdoors.

    Example

    The specifications require the contractor to zinc the structural supports to ensure the bridge's longevity in the humid coastal environment.
Origin

Borrowed from German Zink, related to Zinke (“point, prong”), from Middle High German zinke, from Old High German zinko (“prong, tine”), allied to zint (“a jag, point”), from Proto-Germanic tindaz (“prong, pinnacle”), from Proto-Indo-European h₃dónts (“tooth, projection”). Cognate with Old English tind (“tine, prong”), Middle Low German tinde, Icelandic tindur (“spike, tooth of a rake or harrow, pinnacle, peak, battlement”). See also Dutch tinne (“battlement”), German Zinne (“pinnacle, battlement”), Danish tinde (“pinnacle, battlement”), Swedish tinne (“tooth of a rake”), More at tine. Doublet of zincum.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026