mineralize

[ min-er-uh-lahyz, min-ruh- ]

verb (used with object)

, min·er·al·ized, min·er·al·iz·ing.

1. to convert into a mineral substance.
2. to transform (a metal) into an ore.
3. to impregnate or supply with mineral substances.

verb (used without object)

, min·er·al·ized, min·er·al·iz·ing.

1. to study or collect the minerals of a region.

mineralize

/ ˈmɪnərəˌlaɪz; ˈmɪnrə- /

verb

1. 1. to impregnate (organic matter, water, etc) with a mineral substance
   2. to convert (such matter) into a mineral; petrify
2. (of gases, vapours, etc, in magma) to transform (a metal) into an ore

Derived Forms

• ˌmineraliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• miner·al·i·zation noun
• miner·al·izer noun
• remin·er·al·i·zation noun
• re·miner·al·ize verb remineralized remineralizing
• re·miner·al·izer noun
• semi·miner·al·ized adjective
• under·miner·al·i·zation noun
• un·miner·al·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mineralize¹

First recorded in 1645–55; mineral + -ize