An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A metallic, lustrous, bluish-white → chemical element; symbol Zn. → Atomic number 30; → atomic weight 65.38; → melting point 419.58 °C; → boiling point 907 °C; → specific gravity 7.133 at 25 °C. It was recognized as a → metal as early as 1374.

Etymology (EN): From the Ger. Zink of unknown origin. Zinc compounds were known in prehistoric times, where they were used for healing wounds and for making brass.

Etymology (PE): Ruy, from Mid.Pers. rôy, rôd “copper, brass;” Av. raoiδita- “red, reddish;” cf. Skt. rohita- “red, reddish,” lohá- “red, reddish, reddish metal.”