I. ˈmin(ə)rəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerale, from neuter of mineralis, adjective
1.
a. : a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound (as diamond or quartz) that results from the inorganic processes of nature and that has a characteristic crystal structure and chemical composition or range of compositions — compare metamict , mineraloid
b. : any of various naturally occurring homogeneous or apparently homogeneous and usually but not necessarily solid substances (as ore, coal, asbestos, asphalt, borax, clay, fuller's earth, pigments, precious stones, rock phosphate, salt, soapstone, sulfur, building stone, cement rock, peat, sand, gravel, slate, salts extracted from river, lake, and ocean waters, petroleum, water, natural gas, air, and gases extracted from the air) obtained for man's use usually from the ground
c. : a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and other physical properties of a naturally occurring mineral
compounds made in the laboratory or the smelting furnace are at best called artificial minerals — E.S.Dana
2. obsolete : mine
like some ore among a mineral of metals base — Shakespeare
3. : something that is neither animal nor vegetable (as in the old general classification of things into three kingdoms: animal, vegetable, and mineral)
4. : ore — used especially in the mining industry
5. : an inorganic substance ; especially : a mineral element whether in the form of an ion, compound, or complex — compare ash III 1b
the minerals or the contents of the ash from the body — K.F.Maxcy
6. minerals plural , Britain : mineral water ; especially : an artificially carbonated water sometimes flavored (as ginger ale)
minerals were served … as well as morning coffee and afternoon teas — Sylvia T. Warner
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin mineralis, from minera ore, mine (from Old French miniere mine, from mine ) + Latin -alis -al — more at mine
1. obsolete
a. : of or relating to mines
b. : skilled in or well informed about mining
2. : of or relating to minerals : consisting of or of the nature of a mineral
mineral ores
: inorganic
mineral deposits in the water passages surrounding the valve seats — H.F.Blanchard & Ralph Ritchen
3. : impregnated with mineral substances (as salts)
mineral waters