any of a class of substances occurring in nature, usually comprising inorganic substances, as quartz or feldspar, of definite chemical composition and usually of definite crystal structure, but sometimes also including rocks formed by these substances as well as certain natural products of organic origin, as asphalt or coal.
a substance obtained by mining, as ore.
(loosely) any substance that is neither animal nor vegetable.
British. minerals, mineral water.
Nutrition. any of the inorganic elements, as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, or sodium, that are essential to the functioning of the human body and are obtained from foods.
of the nature of a mineral; pertaining to a mineral or minerals.
containing or impregnated with a mineral or minerals.
neither animal nor vegetable; inorganic.
mineral matter.
mineralogical.
mineralogy.
any of a class of naturally occurring solid inorganic substances with a characteristic crystalline form and a homogeneous chemical composition
any inorganic matter
any substance obtained by mining, esp a metal ore
(often plural) short for mineral water
Usual US word: soda. a soft drink containing carbonated water and flavourings
A naturally occurring, solid, inorganic element or compound having a uniform composition and a regularly repeating internal structure. Minerals typically have a characteristic hardness and color, or range of colors, by which they can be recognized. Rocks are made up of minerals.
A natural substance of commercial value, such as iron ore, coal, or petroleum, that is obtained by mining, quarrying, or drilling.
Rocks are aggregates of minerals.
Most minerals are crystals, like salt and diamonds.
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French, Old French mineral, from Medieval Latin minerāle (noun), minerālis (adjective), from miner(a) “mine, ore,” (from Vulgar Latin mināria (unrecorded); equivalent to mine 2 + -ary ) + -āle, -ālis -al 1
A mineral is a nonliving natural substance of a definite chemical composition. A mineral like manganese may help keep you healthy; a mineral like a diamond may help keep you sparkly. At one time mineral referred to valuable substances obtained in mines. Although that still can be the case, today the word has several senses (both noun and adjective) and may be found almost anywhere — in the ground, in the air, or on the periodic table. And if you remember mineral when you remember animal and vegetable, you’ve got a better chance of winning Twenty Questions.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Enforcement and compliance had to be "followed religiously because without this, our mineral wealth will ultimately become a curse," said Shamiso Mtisi, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation deputy director.
From Barron's ● Nov. 12, 2026
As the war grinds on, all sides battle to fill war chests with the tax or trade of natural resources: gem mines, rare earth mineral deposits, gold or teak.
From Barron's ● Nov. 11, 2026
It is designed to repair enamel that has been weakened by mineral loss or worn away by erosion, while also reinforcing enamel that remains healthy.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
The process relies on calcium and phosphate ions, two essential mineral components naturally present in saliva.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
As the icebergs calve from the glaciers on the continent, they bring with them mineral deposits scraped up from the ground, and release these nutrients into the water.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
“And you know what an animal is — it’s not a vegetable or a mineral. It’s a body, and you know what I’m talking about.”
From New York Times ● Apr. 3, 2023
It estimates that electronics, basic manufacturing, and metals and minerals account for more than 60% of such goods.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2026
Forty-one companies have made deals so far, representing industries such as energy, minerals, semiconductors and quantum computing.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 12, 2026
The eastern DRC -- rich in valuable minerals coveted by world powers for industry -- has been torn apart by conflict for more than 30 years.
From Barron's ● Nov. 11, 2026
Although saliva can naturally replace some minerals lost during the earliest stages of enamel damage, the body cannot regenerate substantial amounts of enamel that have been worn away.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
Herds of elephants go inside Kitum Cave at night to obtain minerals and salts.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
