minerals

min·er·al  (mnr-l)

n.

1. A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.

2. Any of various natural substances, as:

a. An element, such as gold or silver.

b. An organic derivative, such as coal or petroleum.

c. A substance, such as stone, sand, salt, or coal, that is extracted or obtained from the ground or water and used in economic activities.

3. A substance that is neither animal nor vegetable; inorganic matter.

4. An inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc, that is essential to the nutrition of humans, animals, and plants.

5. An ore.

6. minerals Chiefly British Mineral water.

adj.

1. Of or relating to minerals: a mineral deposit.

2. Impregnated with minerals.

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[Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerle, from neuter of minerlis, pertaining to mines, from Old French miniere, mine, from mine; see mine¹.]

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minerals

• douse, dowse - Douse first meant "knock, punch, strike" and now means "to extinguish or wet thoroughly"; dowse means to look for water or minerals with a divining rod.
• hard water - That which contains large amounts of minerals.
• mica - Any of a group of minerals that occur in small glittering plates or scales in other rocks.
• micronutrient - One of the vitamins and minerals needed only in small amounts for normal body function.