mineral

1 of 2

noun

min·​er·​al ˈmi-nə-rəl 

ˈmin-

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

Brush On Block formulates cruelty-free mineral sun care powders and lip oils built for application and reapplication so protecting your skin fits into your day, not the other way around. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Over time, even the material making up the bones and teeth ought to have dissolved away and been replaced by minerals from the surrounding rock, preserving little more than the bone’s architecture. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026

Adjective

White vinegar has natural acidic properties that can cut down on mineral deposits. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2026

Some industry experts believe mineral resources in Greenland have only been lightly explored and up until now the cost of extraction has not made economic sense for private companies. — Duarte Dias, CBS News, 14 Oct. 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