mineral

Etymology

From Middle English mineral, borrowed from Old French mineral, (French minéral), from Medieval Latin minerale, from minera (“ore”).

noun

1. (geology) Any naturally occurring inorganic material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties.
   Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade. 2012-03, Lee A. Groat, “Gemstones”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 2012-06-14, page 128
2. Any inorganic material (as distinguished from animal or vegetable).
3. (nutrition) Any inorganic element that is essential to nutrition; a dietary mineral.
4. (Britain) Mineral water.
5. (Ireland, South Africa, Nigeria, informal) A soft drink, particularly a single serve bottle or can.
6. (obsolete) A mine or mineral deposit.
7. (obsolete) A poisonous or dangerous substance.

adj

1. of, related to, or containing minerals