English · Word Candidate

mineral

/ˈmɪn.ə.ɹəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Any naturally occurring material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties; especially, an inorganic and crystalline one.

Noun

Examples

The physiology of matter in the abstract is dynamical, that of mineral species is both dynamical and chemical, while that of organized forms is at once dynamical, chemical, and biotical.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any inorganic material (as distinguished from animal or vegetable).

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

of, related to, or containing minerals

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “mineral” mean?

Any naturally occurring material that has a (more or less) definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties; especially, an inorganic and crystalline one.

Is “mineral” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.