mineral

¹min·er·al

noun \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

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

²mineral

adjective

Definition of MINERAL

1

:  of or relating to minerals; also :  inorganic

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

Other Mineralogy Terms

agate, host, inclusion, matrix, streak

mineral

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any naturally occurring homogeneous solid that has a definite (but not fixed) chemical composition and a distinctive internal crystal structure. Minerals are usually formed by inorganic processes. Synthetic equivalents of various minerals, such as emeralds and diamonds, are manufactured for commercial purposes. Although most minerals are chemical compounds, a small number (e.g., sulfur, copper, gold) are elements. Minerals combine with each other to form rocks. For example, granite consists of the minerals feldspar, quartz, mica, and amphibole in varying amounts. Rocks are generally, therefore, an intergrowth of various minerals.