mineral

¹min·er·al

noun \ˈmin-rəl, ˈmi-nə-\

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

Examples of MINERAL

1. an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals

Origin of MINERAL

Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerale, from neuter of mineralis

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Mineralogy Terms

agate, host, inclusion, matrix, streak