mineral

The definition of a mineral is anything not animal or plant life.

(noun)

See mineral in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

an inorganic substance occurring naturally in the earth and having a consistent and distinctive set of physical properties (e.g., a usually crystalline structure, hardness, color, etc.) and a composition that can be expressed by a chemical formula: sometimes applied to substances in the earth of organic origin, such as coal
ore
any substance that is neither vegetable nor animal
any element or inorganic compound needed by plants and animals for proper growth and functioning, as iron, phosphorus, or nitrate
Brit.
1. mineral water
2. a flavored, carbonated soft drink

Origin: OFr < ML minerale, neut. of mineralis, mineral < minera, ore < VL *mina, mine

adjective

of, like, consisting of, or containing a mineral or minerals

See mineral in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.
Any of various natural substances, as:
a. An element, such as gold or silver.
b. An organic derivative, such as coal or petroleum.
c. A substance, such as stone, sand, salt, or coal, that is extracted or obtained from the ground or water and used in economic activities.
A substance that is neither animal nor vegetable; inorganic matter.
An inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc, that is essential to the nutrition of humans, animals, and plants.
An ore.
minerals Chiefly British Mineral water.

adjective