I. ˈmin-rəl, ˈmi-nə- noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerale, from neuter of mineralis
Date: 15th century
1. : ore
2. : an inorganic substance (as in the ash of calcined tissue)
3. obsolete : 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 usually from the ground
b. : a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and properties of a naturally occurring mineral
6. plural , British : mineral water
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin mineralis, from minera mine, ore, from Old French minere, miniere, from mine
Date: 15th century
1. : of or relating to minerals ; also : inorganic
2. : impregnated with mineral substances