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.

---

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

---

zinc oxide Scientific  

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

---

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

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

"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

In this study, the research team was able to manipulate the internal states of quantum dots in zinc oxide using precise voltage control -- like adjusting the dials on a radio to fine-tune a signal.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2024

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