ore
UK: ɔː(r) | US: ɔːr
n. A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted.
No data yet.
The word "ore" traces back to Old English ōra, meaning "unwrought metal," derived from Proto-Germanic *ōrō- (source of Old Norse aurr "wet earth, clay"). Its deeper roots are uncertain but may connect to Proto-Indo-European h₁ews- ("to burn, shine"), reflecting early associations with metallic luster. Unlike compound words, "ore" evolved as a compact term for raw mineral deposits, retaining its simplicity across Germanic languages.
The miners discovered a rich vein of iron ore in the mountain.
Copper ore is often processed to extract pure metal.
This region is famous for its gold ore deposits.
The furnace smelts ore into usable metal bars.
Ancient civilizations prized ore for toolmaking and trade.