mineral
min·er·al / ˈmin(ə)rəl/ • n. 1. a solid inorganic substance of natural occurrence. ∎ a substance obtained by mining. ∎ an inorganic substance needed by the human body for good health.2. (minerals) Brit. (in commercial use) effervescent soft drinks.• adj. of or denoting a mineral: mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide.
mineral
mineral Usually inorganic substance which occurs naturally, and typically has a crystalline structure whose characteristics of hardness, lustre, colour, cleavage, fracture, and relative density can be used to identify it. Each mineral has a characteristic chemical composition. Rocks are composed of minerals. More loosely, certain organic substances obtained by mining are sometimes termed ‘minerals’.
mineral
mineral In nutrition, naturally occuring substances that are an important dietary element. The ‘major’ minerals are calcium and phosphorus as they are required in large amounts, particularly to aid growth of teeth and bones. ‘Trace’ minerals are needed in tiny amounts, and include iron, sodium, chlorine, sulphur, zinc, copper, manganese and magnesium. All minerals are consumed in a well-balanced diet. See also vitamin
mineral
mineral XV. — OF. mineral or medL. minerāle, sb. use of n. sg. of minerālis, f. minera ore, Rom. *mināria, f. *mina, *mināre MINE2; see -AL1.
So adj. XVI. — f. or medL. Hence mineralogy, mineralogist XVII.
So adj. XVI. — f. or medL. Hence mineralogy, mineralogist XVII.
mineral
mineral A usually inorganic substance which occurs naturally, and typically has a crystalline structure whose characteristics of hardness, lustre, colour, cleavage, fracture, and relative density can be used to identify it. Each mineral has a characteristic chemical composition. Rocks are composed of minerals. More loosely, certain organic substances obtained by mining are sometimes termed ‘minerals’.
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