First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1mineral
noun min·er·al \ˈmin-rəl, ˈmi-nə-\
: a substance (such as quartz, coal, petroleum, salt, etc.) that is naturally formed under the ground
: a chemical substance (such as iron or zinc) that occurs naturally in certain foods and that is important for good health
Full Definition of MINERAL
1
: ore
2
: an inorganic substance (as in the ash of calcined tissue)
3
obsolete : mine
4
: something neither animal nor vegetable
5
a : a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature; broadly : any of various naturally occurring homogeneous substances (as stone, coal, salt, sulfur, sand, petroleum, water, or natural gas) obtained usually from the ground b : a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and properties of a naturally occurring mineral
6
plural British : mineral water
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Origin of MINERAL
Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerale, from neuter of mineralis
2mineral
adjective
Definition of MINERAL
2
: impregnated with mineral substances
Origin of MINERAL
Middle English, from Medieval Latin mineralis, from minera mine, ore, from Old French minere, miniere, from mine
First Known Use: 15th century
MINERAL Defined for Kids
1mineral
noun min·er·al \ˈmi-nə-rəl, ˈmin-rəl\
Definition of MINERAL for Kids
1
: a naturally occurring solid substance (as diamond, gold, or quartz) that is not of plant or animal origin
2
: a naturally occurring substance (as ore, coal, salt, or petroleum) obtained from the ground usually for humans to use
2mineral
adjective
Definition of MINERAL for Kids
1
: of or relating to minerals <a mineral deposit>
2
: containing gases or mineral salts <mineral water>
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