mineral Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition
  2. adjective relating to minerals
    • mineral elements
    • mineral deposits
  3. adjective satellite composed of matter other than plant or animal
    • the inorganic mineral world

WordNet

Min"er*al noun
Etymology
F. minéral, LL. minerale, fr. minera mine. See Mine, v. i.
Definitions
  1. An inorganic species or substance occurring in nature, having a definite chemical composition and usually a distinct crystalline form. Rocks, except certain glassy igneous forms, are either simple minerals or aggregates of minerals.
  2. A mine. Obs. Shak.
  3. Anything which is neither animal nor vegetable, as in the most general classification of things into three kingdoms (animal, vegetable, and mineral).
Min"er*al adjective
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to minerals; consisting of a mineral or of minerals; as, a mineral substance.
  2. Impregnated with minerals; as, mineral waters.

Webster 1913