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:
   1. An element, such as gold or silver.
   2. An organic derivative, such as coal or petroleum.
   3. 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.

1. Of or relating to minerals: a mineral deposit.
2. Impregnated with minerals.

[Middle English, from Medieval Latin minerāle, from neuter of minerālis, pertaining to mines, from Old French miniere, mine, from mine. See mine¹.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.