mineral
UK: ˈmɪnərəl | US: ˈmɪnərəl
n. 1. A naturally occurring inorganic solid substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
n. 2. A nutrient (e.g., iron, calcium) essential for human or animal health.
adj. Relating to or derived from minerals.
mineral = mine<ore> + eral<suffix forming adjectives>
- mine (from Old French mine, "ore, mineral," originally from Celtic meini, "ore")
- eral (suffix derived from Latin -alis, indicating relation or pertaining to)
Etymology Origin:
The word mineral traces back to the Latin minera, meaning "ore" or "mine," reflecting its early association with mined substances. The suffix -al (via Old French) was added to form an adjective, later nominalized in English to denote inorganic natural substances. The term evolved to encompass both geological materials and essential nutrients, bridging physical and biological sciences.
Quartz is a common mineral found in Earth's crust.
Drinking milk provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
The region is rich in mineral resources, including gold and copper.
Mineral water contains dissolved salts and gases.
Scientists study mineral composition to understand planetary formation.