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mineral

Adjective[C/U] Both
pl: minerals

This term carries a scientific weight, evoking images of hard, cold, and ancient earth materials. It suggests a state of stability and permanence, contrasting with the organic, decaying nature of biological life. In a geological sense, it is the building block of the crust, stripped of any living essence. In a nutritional context, the word shifts toward health and vitality. Here, it refers to the essential trace elements like iron or magnesium that the body requires to function. This usage is common in dietary supplements and health food marketing, where the focus is on purity and biological necessity rather than geological hardness.

Countable when referring to a specific type of substance like gold or salt. Uncountable when referring to the general category of inorganic matter in the earth.

Meanings

Noun

A naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

"The geologist identified the mineral as quartz."

Adjective

Relating to or derived from minerals.

"The region is rich in mineral deposits."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026Report an Error