mine

³mine

noun

Definition of MINE

1

a : a pit or excavation in the earth from which mineral substances are taken b : an ore deposit

2

: a subterranean passage under an enemy position

3

: an encased explosive that is placed in the ground or in water and set to explode when disturbed

4

: a rich source of supply

Examples of MINE

1. <a baseball fanatic who is a mine of fascinating trivia about the game>
2. <the soldiers were careful to disarm any mines they found in their path>

Origin of MINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *mina, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh mwyn ore

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to MINE

Synonyms: argosy, cornucopia, gold mine, mother lode, treasure trove, wellspring

Related Words: armory, repository, stockpot, store, storehouse, treasure-house; cache, hoard, stash; bonanza, Golconda, gravy train, honeypot

Near Antonyms: black hole, sinkhole

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Other Mining and Drilling Terms

ore, trepan, wildcat