zinc
zinc Lexical Profile
zinc Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A bluish-white metallic chemical element (symbol Zn, atomic number 30) widely used to galvanize iron and steel against corrosion, and functioning as an essential trace mineral in biological systems.
"The doctor recommended a supplement containing zinc and vitamin C to help support her immune system during the winter."
• verb
To coat or plate with zinc in order to protect against rust and corrosion (typically referring to iron or steel).
"The manufacturing plant zincked the steel beams before shipping them to the coastal construction site."
• Rhymes for zinc
Word Origin & Etymology
From German 'Zink', first used by the alchemist Paracelsus in the 16th century, likely related to the German word 'Zinke' (prong or tine), referencing the jagged shape of the metal's crystals when smelted.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.