verb
galvanize
Coat iron or steel with zinc to prevent rust.
Manufacturers galvanize steel fence posts to protect them from rust.
Etymology
The name came through galvanic electricity, linked with Galvani. It was applied to protective metal coating and remained even when the coating method did not itself use electric current.
More examples
- These galvanized nails resist rust in damp wood.
- The shop galvanizes steel brackets before they go outdoors.
- Galvanizing the iron gate helps it last longer.
Forms
galvanize · galvanizes · galvanized · galvanizing
galvanization noun — Coating iron or steel with protective zinc.