noun
: a poisonous caustic deliquescent readily soluble salt ZnCl 2 usually in the form of granules or fused sticks that is made synthetically (as by reaction of zinc or zinc oxide with hydrochloric acid) and that is used chiefly in preserving and fireproofing wood, in parchmentizing paper and treating textile fibers and fabrics, as a catalyst in organic synthesis, and as a disinfectant and astringent