[min.er.al] n [ME, fr. ML minerale, fr. neut. of mineralis] (15c) 1: ore
2: an inorganic substance (as in the ash of calcined tissue) 3 obs: mine
4: something neither animal nor vegetable
5. a: a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature; broadly: any of various naturally occurring homogeneous substances (as stone, coal, salt, sulfur, sand, petroleum, water, or natural gas) obtained usu. from the ground b: a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and properties of a naturally occurring mineral
6. pl, Brit: mineral water
[2]mineral adj [ME, fr. ML mineralis, fr. minera mine, ore, fr. OF miniere, fr. mine] (15c) 1: of or relating to minerals; also: inorganic
2: impregnated with mineral substances