zinc

plural zincs · alternative obsolete zinke · alternative obsolete zink

1. countableuncountableA 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.

   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

2. countableAn atom of this element.
3. NigeriacountableuncountableA corrugated iron roof.
4. UKcolloquialcountabledateduncountableA zinc countertop.

   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

   1 more example

   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

present singular third person zincs · participle present zincing · participle present zinking · participle present zincking · participle past zinced · past zinced · participle past zinked · past zinked · participle past zincked · past zincked · alternative obsolete zinke · alternative obsolete zink

1. rareTo electroplate with zinc.

   Synonyms: galvanize

2. rareTo coat with sunblock incorporating zinc oxide.