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 Department of Energy is launching a $100 million grant program aimed at expanding the mining and critical mineral workforce by dramatically increasing the number of people with degrees in those areas over the next two years. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

The reactions permanently convert the gas into high-purity calcite, which is a mineral widely used in construction, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026

Adjective

This mineral facial sunscreen protects sensitive skin from the sun with a fragrance- and paraben-free, water-resistant formula that provides up to 80 minutes of protection after contact with water. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

Not heavy like a foundation, nor greasy and thick like many mineral sunscreens, the formula leaves behind a naturally luminous your-skin-but-better finish. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 July 2026

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