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

She said some designers are now innovating fabrics with zinc oxide to make the material feel cooler to the touch.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 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

"By using zinc oxide, we're opening up new frontiers developing efficient and stable qubits, a cornerstone for quantum computing."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 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