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zinc

Syllabification: (zinc)
Pronunciation: /ziNGk/

Translate zinc | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of zinc

noun

  • the chemical element of atomic number 30, a silvery-white metal that is a constituent of brass and is used for coating (galvanizing) iron and steel to protect against corrosion. (Symbol: Zn)
  • [usually as modifier] galvanized iron or steel, especially as the material of domestic utensils or corrugated roofs:a zinc roof

verb

[with object] (usually as adjective zinced)
  • coat (iron) with zinc or a zinc compound to prevent rust.

Origin:

mid 17th century: from German Zink, of unknown origin

zinc in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of zinc in the British & World English dictionary

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