noun / adjective
mineral
MIN-er-uhl/ˈmɪnərəl/
A naturally occurring inorganic substance of defined composition.
Quartz is a mineral that forms crystal clusters in natural rock.
Etymology
Minera plus the relational ending first described something pertaining to mines, then named a substance obtained by mining. The meaning shifted from how a substance was obtained to its classification as naturally occurring inorganic material.
In context
this mineral contains not only gadolinium but also uranium
More examples
- Granite contains several different minerals, including quartz and feldspar.
- Calcium is a mineral your body needs for strong bones.
- The hot spring leaves mineral deposits on nearby rocks.
Forms
mineral · minerals
mineralogy noun — The scientific study of minerals.
mineralize verb — To form or deposit mineral matter.