Agency Dictionary

Mineral

nounPronunciation: /ˈmɪn.ər.əl/

In Portuguese: Mineral

What does “Mineral” mean?

A naturally occurring inorganic solid substance characterized by a definite chemical composition and an ordered internal atomic structure. It is extracted by industrial or manual methods for metallurgy and manufacturing.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin minerale (pertaining to mines or ore), derived from minera (ore, mine). Medieval Latin minera is linked to Old French mine (mine, ore), a word probably of Celtic origin. The word entered English through Old French mineral in the Middle English period, referring to substances extracted from the earth, before its meaning narrowed to inorganic crystalline substances.

Synonyms

Word family

mineralogy
mineralize
mine
mining

Usage examples

To grasp the magnitude of the mineral resources available in the cobalt-rich regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we would need to compare the dimensions of these industrial zones with some examples.

Concept

Artisanal MiningArtisanal mining is a small-scale, labor-intensive form of mineral extraction performed by individual miners or informal cooperatives using basic hand tools rather than…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.24 - Boiling Red CobaltMay 17, 2024Read the edition

Words of the same theme

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Astronautnoun: A person trained and equipped to travel and operate beyond the atmosphere of the Earth. In space exploration, astronauts perform scientific experiments and navigate spacecraft under extreme conditions.
Decompositionnoun: The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
eppur si muoveother: An Italian phrase meaning and yet it moves. It is used to affirm that a fact remains true no matter who denies it.
Pollinationnoun: The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
Regenerativeadjective: Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.
syntheticadjective: Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
Anesthetizeverb: To administer an anesthetic to eliminate physical feeling, or figuratively to numb emotional or critical awareness.
Bailoutnoun: An emergency provision of financial assistance to a failing company, bank, or economy to prevent insolvency.
Biomenoun: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat defined by climate and soil.
brokeragenoun: The business, activity, or fee of a licensed broker who facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers.

Also from these editions: terms

densitynoun: The quantity of mass, pixels, or information concentrated within a given unit of area or space.
Hardwarenoun: The physical, mechanical, and electronic components that constitute a computer system or digital electronic device. It contrasts with software, which provides intangible instructions and programs.
Homeostasisnoun: The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems or dynamic organizations through coordinated self-regulating physiological or operational adjustments.
Interconnectedadjective: Having all constituent parts or elements mutually connected, reciprocal, or interrelated in such a manner that changes in one directly affect the condition or behavior of the others.
Inventorynoun: A complete itemized catalog or aggregate stock of raw materials, parts, works in progress, and finished goods held in custody by a business enterprise for production or commercial sale.
Lobbynoun: An organized group of individuals or corporate representatives seeking to influence legislators, government officials, or public policies in favor of specific commercial or special interests.
Logisticsnoun: The detailed organization, planning, and practical implementation of complex operations involving the movement, transport, and maintenance of materials, goods, and personnel across distribution channels.
Rechargeableadjective: Capable of having its electrical chemical energy replenished repeatedly by passing an electric current through the cell in the reverse direction of its normal discharge cycle.
Smugglingnoun: The clandestine and illegal transport of goods, currency, persons, or natural commodities across jurisdictional borders to evade tariffs, customs controls, or legal bans.
Thermometernoun: An instrument designed to measure temperature or thermal gradients across systems. Figuratively, it denotes any sensitive indicator or gauge used to measure changing economic, environmental, or social conditions.
Warehousenoun: A large commercial building used for the organized storage, maintenance, and distribution of raw goods or manufactured inventory prior to shipment. It serves as a central hub in logistics operations.