mineral

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noun min·er·al \ˈmin-rəl, ˈmi-nə-\

Simple Definition of mineral

: 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

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

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

First Known Use: 15th century

adjective min·er·al

Middle English, from Medieval Latin mineralis, from minera mine, ore, from Old French minere, miniere, from mine

First Known Use: 15th century

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noun min·er·al \ˈmi-nə-rəl, ˈmin-rəl\

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