/ ˈmɪnərəl; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C , U ] a substance that is naturally present in the earth and is not formed from animal or vegetable matter, for example gold and salt. Some minerals are also present in food and drink and in the human body and are essential for good health :
mineral deposits / extraction
the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals
—compare vegetable
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] ( BrE , formal ) ( NAmE soda ) a sweet drink in various flavours that has bubbles of gas in it and does not contain alcohol :
Soft drinks and minerals sold here.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from medieval Latin minerale , neuter (used as a noun) of mineralis , from minera ore.