zinc

Everyday

1. Zinc is a bluish-white metal, a chemical element (symbol Zn). tree →
2. Zinc is used to coat iron and steel to stop rust. tree →
3. Zinc is a mineral your body needs in small amounts, found in foods like meat, nuts and beans. tree →

In the lessons

In science, zinc is used in batteries and in making brass (with copper). Zinc cream or zinc oxide is a white sun cream, famous on cricketers' noses in Australia. Galvanised buckets and fences are zinc-coated.

Examples

• The bucket is coated with zinc so it won't rust. tree →
• Zinc and copper make brass. tree →
• The cricketer had white zinc cream on his nose. tree →
• Batteries often contain zinc. tree →
• Your body needs a little zinc to heal cuts. tree →
• Zinc's symbol is Zn. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Spelt with a c. Too much zinc as a supplement can be harmful — follow the label.