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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: ME f. OF mineral or med.L mineralis f. minera ore f. OF miniere mine