natural resource

noun

1. a naturally occurring source of wealth, as land or water.

2. natural resources, the natural wealth of a country, consisting of land, forests, mineral deposits, water, etc.

natural resource

1. Something, such as a forest, a mineral deposit, or fresh water, that is found in nature and is necessary or useful to humans.

2. See more at nonrenewable renewable

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural resource¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Related Words

• raw material 
• timber 
• water