noun

mineral

MIHN-uh-ruhl

noun

A naturally occurring solid substance with a definite chemical makeup, such as quartz or salt.

"Geologists catalogued dozens of rare minerals in the cave."

"Diamond is one of the hardest minerals known."

An inorganic element or compound the body needs for good health, such as calcium or iron.

"Leafy greens are a good source of vitamins and minerals."

adj

Relating to, made of, or containing minerals.

"The spa is famous for its mineral springs."

How to Use Mineral

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA natural, non-living substance, either a rock-forming compound or one of the nutrients your body needs.

Common pairings

mineral deficiency mineral water essential minerals mineral deposit

minerals plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

Geologists catalogued dozens of rare _____ in the cave.

From Old French mineral, going back to a Medieval Latin word for ore, ultimately from Latin mina, "ore."

feral general liberal funeral lateral federal several visceral ephemeral bilateral collateral unilateral