1.
poss.pron.
1. the one or ones belonging to or associated with me (it is mine; mine are over there).
2 (attrib. before a vowel) archaic MY (mine eyes have seen; mine host).
Phrases and idioms:
of mine of or belonging to me (a friend of mine).
Etymology: OE min f. Gmc 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. an excavation in the earth for extracting metal, coal, salt, etc.
2 an abundant source (of information etc.).
3 a receptacle filled with explosive and placed in the ground or in the water for destroying enemy personnel, ships, etc.
4 a a subterranean gallery in which explosive is placed to blow up fortifications. b hist. a subterranean passage under the wall of a besieged fortress.
--v.tr.
1. obtain (metal, coal, etc.) from a mine.
2 (also absol., often foll. by for) dig in (the earth etc.) for ore etc.
3 a dig or burrow in (usu. the earth). b make (a hole, passage, etc.) underground.
4 lay explosive mines under or in.
5 UNDERMINE.
Phrases and idioms:
mine-detector an instrument for detecting the presence of mines.
Derivatives:
mining n.
Etymology: ME f. OF mine, miner, perh. f. Celt.