zinc oxide


nounChemistry, 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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Origin of zinc oxide

1
First recorded in 1840–50
  • Also called flowers of zinc, zinc white .

Words Nearby zinc oxide

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use zinc oxide in a sentence

  • At night an ointment of zinc oxide may be applied over a painting of "black wash" (to be obtained at drug stores).

    The Mother and Her Child | William S. Sadler
  • In the case of brass or zinc, the metals will be covered with a coat of zinc oxide before they reach a welding heat.

  • Alkaline baths are also useful, and may advantageously be followed by dusting-powders of starch and zinc oxide.

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon
  • Calcium oxide is also good but zinc oxide must be used sparingly as it is apt to suffer if overfired.

    The Potter's Craft | Charles F. Binns
  • This is sometimes more efficient if zinc oxide, six to eight drachms, is added.

    Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon

British Dictionary definitions for zinc oxide

zinc oxide

noun
  1. 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: Also called: flowers of zinc, philosopher's wool

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for zinc oxide

zinc oxide

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

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.