Dictionary.com

mineral

[ min-er-uhl, min-ruhl ]
/ ˈmɪn ər əl, ˈmɪn rəl /
See synonyms for: mineral / minerals on Thesaurus.com

noun

adjective

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Origin of mineral

1375–1425; late Middle English <Middle French, Old French mineral<Medieval Latin minerāle (noun), minerālis (adj.), equivalent to miner(a) mine, ore (<Old French miniere<Vulgar Latin *mināria; min- (see mine2) + Latin -āria-ary) + -āle, -ālis-al1

OTHER WORDS FROM mineral

non·min·er·al, noun, adjectivesem·i·min·er·al, adjective

Definition for mineral (2 of 2)

mineral.

mineralogical.
mineralogy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to mineral

golden, silvery, alloy, ore, ingot, hardware, food, fiber, vitamin, metal, rubble, lava, earth, gravel, slab, crystal, grain, rock, gem, pebble

British Dictionary definitions for mineral (1 of 2)

mineral
/ (ˈmɪnərəl, ˈmɪnrəl) /

noun

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) British short for mineral water
British a soft drink containing carbonated water and flavouringsUsual US word: soda

adjective

of, relating to, containing, or resembling minerals

Word Origin for mineral

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

British Dictionary definitions for mineral (2 of 2)

mineral.

abbreviation for

mineralogy or mineralogical
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for mineral

mineral
[ mĭn′ər-əl ]

n.

A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.
An inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc, that is essential to the nutrition of humans, animals, and plants.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for mineral

mineral
[ mĭn′ər-əl ]

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for mineral

mineral

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

notes for mineral

Most minerals are crystals, like salt and diamonds.

notes for mineral

Rocks are aggregates of minerals.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.