English▸ noun [mass noun] (Symbol: Zn) 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.
▪ [usually as modifier] galvanized iron or steel, especially as the material of domestic utensils or corrugated roofs:
a zinc roof.
▸ verb [with object] coat (iron) with zinc or a zinc compound to prevent rust:
the metal has to be zinced to prevent oxidation and decay
(zinced as adjective) the street lamps are adorned with tiny zinced crowns.
– ORIGIN mid 17th century: from German Zink, of unknown origin.