English Reference

Word

mineral

Phoneticsmin·er·al, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈmɪnɝəɫ/

UK/mˈɪnəɹəl/

Definitions

01geological substance

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science

n. a natural substance formed in the earth that is not a plant or animal.

n. a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

“The museum has a large collection of rare minerals from the local mountains.”

“Geologists identified the sample as a rare silicate mineral, noting its unique crystal habit and resistance to chemical weathering.”

Synonyms

02nutritional element

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Medicine

n. a chemical element like iron or calcium that your body needs to stay healthy.

n. an inorganic element essential for the physiological functions of living organisms.

“Milk is a great source of calcium, which is an important mineral for your bones.”

“The nutritionist recommended a diet rich in essential minerals, specifically targeting magnesium and potassium to support cardiovascular health.”

03soft drink

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English · Informal · Dialect

n. a sweet, fizzy drink like soda.

n. a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage; often used to refer to single-serve portions.

“Would you like a mineral with your lunch, or just some water?”

“In many Irish households, it is common to offer guests a mineral, such as a lemonade or ginger ale, upon their arrival.”

Teaching tip

This usage is specific to Ireland and parts of Africa; in most of the UK, 'mineral' usually refers specifically to sparkling water.

04containing minerals

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. made of or containing minerals.

adj. relating to, containing, or derived from minerals; non-gradable.

“The hikers stopped to drink from a fresh mineral spring.”

“The region is famous for its mineral wealth, attracting significant investment from international mining conglomerates.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mineral” in context.

Verb

01. absorb minerals

“Plants use their root systems to absorb minerals and water from the soil.”

verb + noun

02. extract minerals

“The company uses advanced technology to extract minerals from deep underground.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. essential minerals

“Iron and calcium are essential minerals that support a healthy body.”

adj + noun

04. rich in minerals

“This region is incredibly rich in minerals like copper and silver.”

adj + prep + noun

Noun

05. mineral deposits

“Geologists discovered vast mineral deposits beneath the desert sands.”

noun + noun

06. mineral water

“She prefers drinking sparkling mineral water instead of sugary sodas.”

noun + noun

07. trace of minerals

“The laboratory analysis found a trace of minerals in the water sample.”

noun + of + noun

Real-World Examples

“But the good news is most vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, remain stable in produce for days or weeks in the fridge.”
The Guardian 14 Aug 2026
“These clay minerals require liquid water to form.”
ScienceDaily 14 Aug 2026
“Swedish researchers are exploring how the country's mineral resources could support cleaner production of rare earth elements (REE) and the powerful magnets made from them.”
ScienceDaily 24 Jul 2026
“Speaking about Brazil’s vast reserves of rare minerals, Lula said, “No one [abroad] will tap our minerals.”
Al Jazeera 16 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English mineral, borrowed from Old French mineral, (French minéral), from Medieval Latin minerale, from minera (“ore”), probably ultimately derived from Latin mina (“ore, mine”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

Domain

Geology

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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