n. & adj.
n. 1 any of the species into which inorganic substances are classified. 2 a substance obtained by mining. 3 (often in pl.) Brit. an artificial mineral water or other effervescent drink.
adj. 1 of or containing a mineral or minerals. 2 obtained by mining. mineral oil petroleum or one of its distillation products. mineral water 1 water found in nature with some dissolved salts present. 2 an artificial imitation of this, esp. soda water. 3 any effervescent non-alcoholic drink. mineral wax a fossil resin, esp. ozocerite. mineral wool a wool-like substance made from inorganic material, used for packing etc.
[ ME f. OF mineral or med.L mineralis f. minera ore f. OF miniere mine ]