mineralogy

[ min-uh-rol-uh-jee, -ral-uh- ]

/ ˌmɪn əˈrɒl ə dʒi, -ˈræl ə- /

noun

the science or study of minerals.

Nearby words

mineral wool, mineral., mineralize, mineralizer, mineralocorticoid, mineralogy, mineraloid, minerals, minerva, minestrone, minesweeper

Origin of mineralogy

First recorded in 1680–90; minera(l) + -logy

Related forms

min·er·al·og·i·cal

[min-er-uh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌmɪn ər əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, min·er·al·og·ic, adjectivemin·er·al·og·i·cal·ly, adverbmin·er·al·o·gist, nounnon·min·er·al·og·i·cal, adjective

non·min·er·al·og·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mineralogy

The only branch of natural history, on which the author descants, is mineralogy and geology.
Robert Kerr's General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 18|William Stevenson
I have a great deal of information concerning the mineralogy and geology of Cornwall, but none concerning the farming.
The Life of Sir Humphrey Davy, Bart. LL.D., Volume 1 (of 2)|John Ayrton Paris
How they would be delighted with the gallery of mineralogy—how they would be charmed with the theatres!
The Home|Fredrika Bremer
He subsequently published treatises on physics and on mineralogy and geology, and died on the 10th of December 1850.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 6|Various

I must explain that I dabble in chemistry as well as mineralogy.
Miss Ravenel's conversion from secession to loyalty|J. W. de Forest

British Dictionary definitions for mineralogy

mineralogy

/ (ˌmɪnəˈrælədʒɪ) /

noun

the branch of geology concerned with the study of minerals

Derived Formsmineralogical (ˌmɪnərəˈlɒdʒɪkəl) or mineralogic, adjectivemineralogically, adverbmineralogist, noun

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

Word Origin and History for mineralogy

mineralogy

1680s, a hybrid from mineral (n.) + -logy or else from French minéralogie (1640s). Related: Mineralogist; mineralogical.

Science definitions for mineralogy

mineralogy

[ mĭn′ə-rŏl′ə-jē ]

The scientific study of minerals, their composition and properties, and the places where they are likely to occur.