n. Chem. a white metallic element occurring naturally as zinc blende, and used as a component of brass, in galvanizing sheet iron, in electric batteries, and in printing-plates. °Symb.: Zn. flowers of zinc = zinc oxide. zinc blende see BLENDE. zinc chloride a white crystalline deliquescent solid used as a preservative and flux. zinc oxide a powder used as a white pigment and in medicinal ointments. zinc sulphate a white water-soluble compound used as a mordant. zinced adj.
[ G Zink, of unkn. orig. ]