mineral
/ˈmɪnərəl; `mɪnərəl/ n
1 [C, U] substance that is not vegetable or animal, esp one with a constant chemical composition which is found naturally in the earth 矿物
substances classified as mineral(s) 列为矿物的物质
[attrib 作定语]
mineral salts 岩盐
the mineral kingdom 矿物界. Cf 参看 animal, vegetable.
2 [C, U] any substance got from the earth by mining, esp a metal ore 采自地下的任何物质; （尤指）金属矿石
Coal and iron are minerals. 煤和铁都是矿物.
[attrib 作定语]
mineral deposits, resources, wealth, etc. 矿藏、 矿物资源、 矿物财富.
3 [C usu pl 通常作复数]
(Brit)
(a) = mineral water.
(b) (US soda) non-alcoholic canned or bottled drink containing flavouring and soda-water （罐装或瓶装的）矿泉水
Soft drinks and minerals sold here. 此处出售软饮料和矿泉水.