mineralize

verb

min·​er·​al·​ize

ˈmin-rə-ˌlīz, 

ˈmi-nə- 

mineralized; mineralizing

transitive verb

1

: to transform (a metal) into an ore

2

a

: to impregnate or supply with minerals or an inorganic compound

b

: to convert into mineral or inorganic form

3

: petrify

mineralizable

ˌmin-rə-ˈlī-zə-bəl, 

ˌmi-nə- 

adjective

mineralization

ˌmin-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən, 

ˌmi-nə- 

noun

mineralizer

ˈmin-rə-ˌlī-zər, 

ˈmi-nə- 

noun

Examples of mineralize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, during the third stage, the roots of the canine teeth are fully mineralized and one part of the humerus fuses. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

Before your bones can be mineralized with calcium and phosphorus, your body needs a strong protein framework (collagen) to build upon. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026

And with only one other animal known to mineralize sulfide, the scaly-foot snail, the find expands the short list of species capable of such biochemical feats. — New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025

Once injected deep underground, the carbon dioxide can become permanently trapped in the geologic structure, dissolve in brine or become mineralized, turning it to rock. — Ramesh Agarwal, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mineralize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Medical Definition

mineralize

transitive verb

min·​er·​al·​ize

variants also British mineralise

ˈmin(-ə)-rə-ˌlīz 

mineralized also British mineralised; mineralizing also British mineralising

: to impregnate or supply with minerals or an inorganic compound