mineralize

verb

min·​er·​al·​ize

ˈmin-rə-ˌlīz,

ˈmi-nə- 

mineralized; mineralizing

transitive verb

1

: to transform (a metal) into an ore

2

a

: to impregnate or supply with minerals or an inorganic compound

b

: to convert into mineral or inorganic form

3

: petrify

mineralizable

ˌmin-rə-ˈlī-zə-bəl

ˌmi-nə- 

adjective

mineralization

ˌmin-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən

ˌmi-nə- 

noun

mineralizer

ˈmin-rə-ˌlī-zər

ˈmi-nə- 

noun

Examples of mineralize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Carbon mineralization is familiar, but many competing solutions require capturing and concentrating the CO2, then transporting and pumping it underground to mineralize. —Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

For example, during the third stage, the roots of the canine teeth are fully mineralized and one part of the humerus fuses. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

When CiCLO® fabric ends up in a landfill with ample moisture and microorganisms, these biodegradable spots are activated, allowing the fabric to mineralize at rates comparable to natural fibers like wool. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2024

In other Burgess Shale fossils, abundant ions and reactive compounds that are typically found in gut tissue cause digestive structures to mineralize more quickly than the rest of the body, and thereby retain more of their original shapes. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

mineralize

transitive verb

min·​er·​al·​ize

variants also British mineralise

ˈmin(-ə)-rə-ˌlīz 

mineralized also British mineralised; mineralizing also British mineralising

: to impregnate or supply with minerals or an inorganic compound