mineralize

(minər əl īz′)

transitive verb mineralized, mineralizing

  1. to convert (organic matter) into a mineral; petrify
  2. to impregnate (water, etc.) with minerals
  3. to convert (a metal) into an ore, as by oxidation

intransitive verb

Rare to collect minerals for study

Related Forms:

See mineralize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb min·er·al·ized, min·er·al·iz·ing, min·er·al·iz·es
verb, transitive
  1. To convert to a mineral substance; petrify.
  2. To transform a metal into a mineral by oxidation.
  3. To impregnate with minerals.
verb, intransitive
  1. To develop or hasten mineral formation.
  2. To collect or study minerals.

Related Forms:

  • minˌer·al·izˈa·ble adjective
  • minˌer·al·i·zaˈtion (-ə-lĭ-zāˈshən) noun
  • minˈer·al·izˌer noun

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