mineral

/'minərəl/

Thân thiện

A geologist examines a colorful mineral specimen under a bright lamp.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A naturally occurring solid substance with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure: A "mineral" is an inorganic, homogeneous solid formed through geological processes, possessing a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement.
   • A nutrient essential for health that is not organic in origin: In nutrition, a "mineral" refers to an inorganic element (like calcium or iron) that is required by living organisms for proper bodily function.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to or consisting of minerals: Describes something derived from or containing minerals.
   • Of inorganic origin: Describes matter that is not derived from living organisms (plant or animal).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Quartz is a common mineral found in many types of rock.
  • A balanced diet should include essential vitamins and minerals.
• Adjective:
  • The country has vast mineral resources, including coal and copper.
  • The analysis revealed the mineral content of the soil sample.

Advanced Usage

• "Mineral rights": The ownership rights to the minerals beneath a parcel of land.
  • The property was sold, but the previous owner retained the mineral rights.
• "Mineral water": Water that naturally contains dissolved minerals or is artificially infused with them.
  • She prefers to drink sparkling mineral water with her meals.

Variants and Related Words

• Mineralogy (n): The scientific study of minerals.
  • He majored in geology with a focus on mineralogy.
• Mineralize (v): To convert into a mineral; to impregnate with minerals.
  • Over millennia, the organic material can mineralize and become fossilized.

Synonyms

• Ore: A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted.
• Inorganic compound: A chemical compound that is not derived from living matter.

Related Phrases

• Trace mineral: A mineral required by the body in very small amounts.
  • Zinc and selenium are important trace minerals.
• Mineral deposit: A natural concentration of minerals in the Earth's crust.
  • Geologists discovered a new mineral deposit in the region.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. composed of matter other than plant or animal
   • the inorganic mineral world
2. relating to minerals
   • mineral elements
   • mineral deposits

Noun

1. solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition