Mineral
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈmɪn.ÉœË(ɹ).É™l/, /ˈmɪn.ɹəl/
Alternative forms
- minerall obsolete
Origin
From Medieval Latin, minera ("ore").
Full definition of mineral
Noun
mineral
(plural minerals)- (geology) Any naturally occurring inorganic material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties.
- 2012-03, Lee A. Groat, Gemstones, Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade.
- Any inorganic material (as distinguished from animal or vegetable).
- Any inorganic element that is essential to nutrition; a dietary mineral.
- (British) Mineral water.
- (Ireland, South Africa, informal) A soft drink, particularly a single serve bottle or can.
- (obsolete) A mine or mineral deposit.
- 1599, William Shakespeare, , IV. i. 26:O'er whom his very madness, like some ore
Among a mineral of metals base,
Shows itself pure;
Related terms
Derived terms
Adjective
mineral- of, related to, or containing minerals