Definition of "zinc"

zinc

/zɪŋk/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural zincs
1. A chemical element (symbol Zn) with an atomic number of 30, a blue-silvery metal that is slightly brittle at room temperature and tarnishes slightly in moist air.
2. (countable) A single atom of this element.
3. (Nigeria) A corrugated iron roof.
4. (UK, dated, colloquial) A zinc countertop.
  Quotations
  Then, three workmen throwing dice for drinks. And their heads come sharply together as they count the scores. And so violently do they throw the dice that they shoot off "the zinc" on to the floor.
  1904, The Saturday Review of Politics, Literature, Science and Art
  Even if there were a Chef and Brewer near Marble Arch, the name suggests a pint and pie, not a prawn and tomato sandwich and “a dock glass of white port off the zinc”; i.e., a small glass of a fine aperitif, at the counter […]
  2010, Chris Ackerley, Demented Particulars, page 44
verb
third-person singular simple present zincs, present participle zincing or zinking or zincking, simple past and past participle zinced or zinked or zincked
1. (rare) To electroplate with zinc.
2. (rare) To coat with sunblock incorporating zinc oxide.