mineral

[min-er-uh l, min-ruh l] /ˈmɪn ər əl, ˈmɪn rəl/

noun

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.

a substance obtained by mining, as ore.

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

minerals, British, mineral water.

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

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

containing or impregnated with a mineral or minerals.

neither animal nor vegetable; inorganic:

mineral matter.

Origin

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

Related forms

nonmineral, noun, adjective

semimineral, adjective

Examples from the web for minerals

Normally only foundation is made from pure minerals.
Apparently, the giant land snail is also chock-full of vitamins and minerals.
Miners should spread their risks across countries as well as minerals.
But scientists have disputed their role in binding trace minerals.
It is a good source of thiamine, magnesium and other minerals.
The minerals on the crater floor support the flood story.
But the good economic showing is not limited to countries with oil or minerals.
Pea-size minerals inside a meteorite are the oldest known material in the solar system, a new study says.
But depending on the depth, these elements combine into different types of minerals.
Deep in the oceans, hydrothermal vents spew superheated water full of dissolved minerals.

British Dictionary definitions for minerals

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 pl) (Brit) short for mineral water

(Brit) a soft drink containing carbonated water and flavourings Usual US word soda

adjective

of, relating to, containing, or resembling minerals

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for minerals

mineral

late 14c., "substance obtained by mining," from Medieval Latin minerale "something mined," noun use of neuter of mineralis "pertaining to mines," from minera "mine." Meaning "material substance that is neither animal nor vegetable" is first recorded c.1600. Modern scientific sense is from 1813.

adj.

early 15c., "neither animal nor vegetable," from Old French mineral and directly from Medieval Latin mineralis (see mineral (n.)). Mineral water (early 15c.) originally was water found in nature with some mineral substance dissolved in it.

minerals in Medicine

mineral min·er·al (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.

minerals in Science

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.

minerals in Culture

mineral definition

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

Note: Most minerals are crystals, like salt and diamonds.

Note: Rocks are aggregates of minerals.

minerals definition

In the diet, certain substances necessary for the maintenance of life and good health. Some are essential components of bodily substances, such as the calcium in bones and the iron in hemoglobin, whereas others help regulate the activities of metabolism. (See under “Earth Sciences.”)