To remove zinc from something, such as removing zinc coating from brass or other metals.
From de- (prefix meaning 'to remove') + zinc (German Zink, possibly from Zincum, 'pointed'). This term emerged in metallurgy in the 19th century.
Brass is copper mixed with zinc, and when you dezinc it, you're essentially stealing the zinc atoms—this happens when brass artifacts corrode in certain conditions, which is why old brass sometimes looks greenish!
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