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
5a : 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 groundb : a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and properties of a naturally occurring mineral
6 minerals plural, British : mineral water
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Examples of mineral in a Sentence
an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals
Recent Examples of mineral from the Web
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Between 2003 and 2010 China’s industrialisation boosted demand for minerals, oil and foodstuffs.
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What’s more, lakes all over young Earth would have hosted mineral-rich stews similar to those in the experiment.
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The germ is loaded with protein, B vitamins, several minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals (biologically active compounds in plants) and essential fatty acids.
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Since 2008, California has received an annual average of $82.5 million in royalties from federal mineral extraction within the State.
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But its sprawling business interests span agriculture, minerals, materials engineering and even cattle ranching.
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This clear mineral mist contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — physical UV blockers that sit on top of the skin reflecting rays.
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Its mineral exhibit houses about 5,000 items, according to the museum's website.
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This mineral helps you take energy from food and turn it into new proteins.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mineral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of mineral
Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerale, from neuter of mineralis
Recent Examples of mineral from the Web
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Other funding sources include mineral extraction charges and annual payments from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil-spill settlement.
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The microfossils also lend support to the idea that the warm, watery, mineral-rich neighborhoods around submerged vents are prime places for life to emerge, whether on this planet, on the seafloors of icy moons, or elsewhere in the universe.
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Pinzón lists several things in the country’s favor: some of the world’s most plentiful water resources, and abundant agricultural and mineral resources.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mineral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of mineral
Middle English, from Medieval Latin mineralis, from minera mine, ore, from Old French minere, miniere, from mine
MINERAL Defined for English Language Learners
mineral
playDefinition of mineral for English Language Learners
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: a substance (such as quartz, coal, petroleum, salt, etc.) that is naturally formed under the ground
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: a chemical substance (such as iron or zinc) that occurs naturally in certain foods and that is important for good health
MINERAL Defined for Kids
Definition of mineral for Students
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
Definition of mineral for Students
1 : of or relating to minerals a mineral deposit
2 : containing gases or mineral salts mineral water
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of mineral
: a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature
Learn More about mineral
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Spanish Central: Translation of mineral Nglish: Translation of mineral for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mineral for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mineral
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