mineral

1 of 2

noun

min·​er·​al

ˈmin-rəl, 

ˈmi-nə- 

1

: ore

2

: something neither animal nor vegetable

3

: an inorganic substance

especially : one (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc) that cannot be synthesized in the body and is essential in minute quantities to the function and structure of living organisms

4

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 (such 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

5

obsolete : mine

6

minerals plural, British : mineral water

mineral

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to minerals

also : inorganic

2

: impregnated with mineral substances

Examples of mineral in a Sentence

Noun

an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The other side of it is Africa contains the world’s largest copper deposits in the copper belt, manganese, cobalt, and indeed the rare earth minerals that are necessary for the transition. —Harvard Business Review, 13 Nov. 2025

However, critics fear China’s growing dominance over Africa’s mineral resources could lead to environmental damage. —Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Farther down the trail, the battle over a copper mine at Oak Flat comes into focus, underscoring a changing argument over the importance of mineral resources. —Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 17 Nov. 2025

To help with mineral residue buildup, Massick recommends periodically using a chelating shampoo that has EDTA as an active ingredient. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mineral

• clay mineral
• mineral kingdom
• mineral oil
• mineral spirits
• mineral water
• mineral wax
• mineral wool

Kids Definition

mineral

1 of 2 noun

min·​er·​al ˈmin-(ə-)rəl 

1

: a solid chemical element or compound (as diamond or quartz) that occurs naturally in the form of crystals and results from inorganic processes

2

: a naturally occurring substance (as ore, petroleum, or water) obtained usually from the ground

mineral

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a mineral : inorganic

2

: containing mineral salts or gases

mineral water

Medical Definition

mineral

1 of 2 noun

min·​er·​al ˈmin(-ə)-rəl 

: a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature

mineral

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to minerals

also : inorganic

2

: impregnated with mineral substances