mineral

1 of 2

noun

min·​er·​al
ˈmin-rəl,
ˈmi-nə- How to pronounce mineral (audio)
1
: ore
2
: an inorganic substance (as in the ash of calcined tissue)
3
obsolete : mine
4
: something neither animal nor vegetable
5
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The department has opened numerous probes into the national security ramifications of imports of wind turbines, airplanes, semiconductors, heavy trucks, polysilicon, copper, timber and lumber and critical minerals. Reuters 12 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 For example, the fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are key to fighting inflammation and supporting bodily functions. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Terre d’Hermès, with its mineral-citrus signature, has shaped two decades of modern masculinity. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025 In the same way there’s no conclusive data to say chemical sunscreen formulas are inherently more toxic than mineral ones, there’s no conclusive data to say SPF boosters are inherently safe or unsafe. Dani Hardman, Allure, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mineral

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mineral was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mineral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

mineral

1 of 2 noun
min·​er·​al ˈmin-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce mineral (audio)
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 How to pronounce mineral (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on mineral

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