This is the 12252nd most frequent French word.
zinc
Slang for "bar" or "counter" in French.
Here, 'zinc' refers to the material used for covering the roof. It is used in its literal sense as a metal.
Le toit de la maison est recouvert de zinc.
The roof of the house is covered with zinc.
In this sentence, 'zinc' is used colloquially to refer to the bar counter, typically made of zinc in older establishments.
Allons prendre un verre au zinc du coin.
Let's have a drink at the local bar.
This usage illustrates a scientific context where 'zinc' refers specifically to the element in the periodic table.