min ‧ e ‧ ral W3 /ˈmɪn ə rəl/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: mineralis 'of mines' , from Old French mine ; ⇨ ↑ mine 2 ]
1 . a substance that is formed naturally in the earth, such as coal, salt, stone, or gold. Minerals can be dug out of the ground and used:
The area is very rich in minerals.
a country with few mineral resources
2 . a natural substance such as iron that is present in some foods and is important for good health:
Fish is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.