mineral

views updated Jun 08 2018

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

views updated May 08 2018

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

views updated May 21 2018

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

views updated May 18 2018

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.

mineral

views updated May 17 2018

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’.