mineral

¹

[min-er-uhl, min-ruhl]

noun

1. 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.

2. a substance obtained by mining, as ore.

3. (loosely) any substance that is neither animal nor vegetable.

4. British.,  minerals, mineral water.

5. 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.

adjective

1. of the nature of a mineral; pertaining to a mineral or minerals.

2. containing or impregnated with a mineral or minerals.

3. neither animal nor vegetable; inorganic.

   mineral matter.

mineral.

²

abbreviation

1. mineralogical.

2. mineralogy.

mineral.

¹

abbreviation

1. mineralogy or mineralogical

mineral

²

/ ˈmɪnərəl, ˈmɪnrəl /

noun

1. any of a class of naturally occurring solid inorganic substances with a characteristic crystalline form and a homogeneous chemical composition

2. any inorganic matter

3. any substance obtained by mining, esp a metal ore

4. (often plural) short for mineral water

5. Usual US word: soda. a soft drink containing carbonated water and flavourings

adjective

1. of, relating to, containing, or resembling minerals

mineral

1. 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.

2. A natural substance of commercial value, such as iron ore, coal, or petroleum, that is obtained by mining, quarrying, or drilling.

mineral

1. In geology, a naturally occurring inorganic substance (see inorganic molecules) with a definite chemical composition and a regular internal structure.

Rocks are aggregates of minerals.

Most minerals are crystals, like salt and diamonds.

Other Word Forms

• nonmineral noun
• semimineral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mineral¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mineral¹

C15: from Medieval Latin minerāle (n), from minerālis (adj); related to minera mine, ore, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

And as the Times pointed out about what sad fate likely awaits Venezuelans, “with its oil, gold and other minerals, there are many spoils.”

From Salon

This would give athletes more vitamins and minerals they might lose during a bleed.

From BBC

Scientists believe these features contain minerals produced by chemical reactions that could be associated with ancient Martian microbes.

From BBC

Shades resembling minerals, stones and grasses compared to custom blended paints.

From Los Angeles Times

“Salty like the ocean, but not the Dead Sea” wasn’t abstract advice; it was an invitation to taste and adjust, to smell the mineral tang in the water and feel it on your fingers.

From Salon

Related Words

• earth 
• gravel 
• lava 
• metal 
• rubble 
• slab