zinc
Cross references: 1. element 1. zinc \'zink\ \'zin-kik\ \-k*s\ n [G zink] often attrib : a bluish white crystalline bivalent metallic element of low to intermedi ate hardness that is ductile when pure but in the commercial form is brittle at ordinary temperatures and becomes ductile on slight heating, occurs abundantly in minerals, and is used esp. as a protective coating for iron and steel - zinc.ic aj 2. zinc \'zin(k)t\ \'zin-kin\ vt or zinced or zincked; or zinc.ing; or zinck.ing : to treat or coat with zinc : GALVANIZE
Webster's English Dictionary