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
Noun
Lava flows, hydrated mineral deposits as well as pyroclastic deposits made of volcanic particulate materials such as ash, cinders, pumice and tephra, occur in several areas within the structure’s perimeter. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2024 They are also required to contain important key minerals for infant growth and development, like iron. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 The variant is available in any of the dozens of colors Rolls-Royce offers, but the demonstration example is finished in a gray called Gunmetal, which has a rich mineral finish that was produced by the application and buffering of four coats of paint during a 16-hour process. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 So far, Curiosity has found evidence in several locations of past liquid water, minerals that may provide chemical energy, and intriguingly, a variety of organic carbon molecules. Amy J. Williams, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2024 Poor execution could also compromise the reliable supply of inputs needed for the transition itself, such as minerals, clean manufacturing capacity, infrastructure, land, and worker skills. Mekala Krishnan, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 Czech’s toner mist is gentle on skin, providing essential nutrients and conditioning agents like prebiotics, vitamin C, sea chamomile, and minerals to limit inflammation and repair barrier function. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 In August 2023, China countered with its own export controls on the rare minerals gallium and germanium—both necessary components for manufacturing chips. Aziz Huq, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2024 Magnesium’s time to shine The once humble and almost anonymous mineral supplement found on store shelves has taken the wellness community by storm in the last year, becoming the star of thousands of TikTok posts singing the metal’s praises. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024
Adjective
This beautiful pair is made from mineral glass (which is reportedly 12 times more scratch-resistant than traditional lenses) and features color-enhancing tech that makes even the most mundane seem vibrant. Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2024 Biochar contains mineral ash, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and fixed carbon that can be used as a soil additive that increases water retention. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2024 Don’t expect exotic fruit flavors here, beyond a lovely hint of pear and apricot; the main impression is mineral — as if the wine were bearing a message from the Earth itself. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024 Circular economy interventions like increasing metal recovery and reusing mineral and non-mineral waste may also support emission reductions across the mining value chains. Carla Delgado, Popular Science, 28 June 2023 The moody aroma is reminiscent of cliffside vegetation, transporting the wearer to the stormy seashore through mineral top notes and metallic base accords. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 2 Jan. 2024 Top 5 Can’t Miss Nayara Springs: Soak in your villa’s private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2023 Although severing the land link between Russia is an important aim, so is liberating the large swaths of land containing agricultural and mineral wealth that provide significant revenue for the Ukrainian government. Mick Ryan, Foreign Affairs, 30 Aug. 2023 For mineral buildup or tough stains, create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 27 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mineral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near mineral

Cite this Entry

“Mineral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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