Zinc Meaning

/ˈzɪŋk/
B2

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounA chemical element (symbol Zn) with an atomic number of 30, a blue-silvery metal that is slightly brittle at room temperature and tarnishes slightly in moist air.

nounAn atom of this element.

This metal is called zinc.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Brass is an alloy of copper and ____, often used for musical instruments.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ is a chemical element that is often used to coat other various metals to prevent them from several and rusting today.

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₃ed- Proto-Indo-European *-ónts Proto-Indo-European *h₃dóntsder. Proto-Germanic *tindaz Old High German zint? Old High German zinko Middle High German zinke German Zinke? German Zinkbor. English zinc 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.

"As for daytime sun protection, Dr. Bowe said mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide may be gentler on sensitized skin than chemical formulas." — 2023 December 6, Jessica DeFino, “Too Many Products Can Stress Out Your Skin. Here’s How to Scale Back.”, in The New York Times:
"Then, three workmen throwing dice for drinks. And their heads come sharply together as they count the scores. And so violently do they throw the dice that they shoot off "the zinc" on to the floor." — 1904, The Saturday Review of Politics, Literature, Science and Art:
"Even if there were a Chef and Brewer near Marble Arch, the name suggests a pint and pie, not a prawn and tomato sandwich and “a dock glass of white port off the zinc”; i.e., a small glass of a fine aperitif, at the counter […]" — 2010, Chris Ackerley, Demented Particulars, page 44:

Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
Brass is an alloy of copper and ____, often used for musical instruments.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ is a chemical element that is often used to coat other various metals to prevent them from several and rusting today.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically