mineral

1 of 2

noun

min·​er·​al

ˈmin-rəl,

ˈmi-nə- 

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

Filled with minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, the ingredient supports a healthy skin barrier by targeting signs of aging with hydration and skin-brightening benefits. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025

Honey naturally contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and potent antioxidants. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Instead, Reagan claimed jurisdiction over all the natural and mineral resources within 200 nautical miles of the nation’s shores (230 regular miles), an allowance that the Law of the Sea granted only signatories. —Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025

Catarina Orr-Evans, an integrative health coach based in Columbus, Ohio, recently went viral on TikTok with a video explaining how mineral imbalances might contribute to premature graying in young people. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

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