zinc-sponge, n.

zinc-sponge
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zinc-sponge_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
First published 1921; not fully revised

# zinc-spongenoun

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zinc-sponge mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun zinc-sponge. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

#### Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

### Where does the noun zinc-sponge come from?

Earliest known use

1900s

The earliest known use of the noun zinc-sponge is in the 1900s.

OED's only evidence for zinc-sponge is from 1902, in Encyclopædia Britannica.

### Nearby entries

1. zincographer, n. 1839–
2. zincographic, adj. 1850–
3. zincography, n. 1834–
4. zincoid, n. 1842–
5. zinc orange, n. 1918–
6. zincous, adj. 1842–
7. zinc-plate, n. 1823–
8. zinc-powder, n. 1881–
9. zinc roof, n. 1883–
10. zinc spar, n. 1796–
11. zinc-sponge, n.1902–
12. zinc sulphide, n. 1851–
13. zinc white, n. 1847–
14. zincy, adj. 1757–
15. zinc yellow, n. 1847–
16. zindabad, int. & n. 1930–
17. zindan, n. 1844–
18. Zindikite, n. 1694–
19. Zindiq, n. 1667–
20. zine, n. 1946–
21. zineb, n. 1950–

## Meaning & use

1. 1902–
   (See quot.).
   1. 1902

      > The deposition of pure zinc is beset with many difficulties,..unless the conditions are closely watched, it is liable to be thrown down in a spongy form... Siemens and Halske have proposed the addition of oxidising agents such as free halogens, to prevent the formation of zinc hydride, to which they attribute the formation of zinc-sponge.

      Encyclopædia Britannica vol. XXVIII. 110/2

Originally published as part of the entry for zinc, n.

zinc, n. was first published in 1921; not fully revised.