zinc oxide

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white or yellowish-white, amorphous, odorless, water-insoluble powder, ZnO, used chiefly as a paint pigment, in cosmetics, dental cements, matches, white printing inks, and opaque glass, and in medicine in the treatment of skin conditions.

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zinc oxide British  

noun

1. Also called: flowers of zinc.   philosopher's wool.  a white insoluble powder used as a pigment in paints ( zinc white or Chinese white ), cosmetics, glass, and printing inks. It is an antiseptic and astringent and is used in making zinc ointment. Formula: ZnO

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zinc oxide Scientific  

1. A white or yellowish powdery compound used in paints and in various medicines and skin cosmetics. Chemical formula: ZnO.

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Etymology

Origin of zinc oxide

First recorded in 1840–50

Compare meaning

How does zinc-oxide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• zinc oxide vs. zinc sulfate

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zinc oxide

"If zinc oxide can be made to look better on more skin tones without sacrificing protection, it could help more people protect themselves from the sun's most dangerous effects."

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

"When I spread it on my own skin, I didn't get that white cast I usually see with zinc oxide," said Addae.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

One common complaint is that mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide can leave a noticeable white or gray film on the skin.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

But Zuckerberg hit a coolness nadir when paparazzi photographed him in Hawaii riding an electric surfboard with his bubble butt popped out and face lathered—absolutely caked—with bright-white zinc oxide sunscreen.

From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2024

Her face was smeared with so much zinc oxide that it looked like she’d fallen nose-first into a frosted cake.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen