French word

minéral

Pronunciation

IPA/mineʁal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmineral

Example

Les minéraux sont importants pour la santé.

Minerals are important for health.

Illustration for minéral (mineral)

More examples

Les fruits et légumes sont riches en minéraux.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals.

Core concept

A natural, nonliving substance defined by its chemical composition and commonly revealed by a regular crystal form.

Common phrases

  • aliments riches en minéraux

    foods rich in minerals

  • supplément de minéraux

    mineral supplement

Similar words

pierre: A small hard piece or lump commonly used in buildings and roads.
roche: A large mass of stone that forms the ground and mountains.
métal: A shiny, hard material often used for pots and tools.
cristal: A hard, shiny solid with an ordered structure and clearly defined faces.

Definition in French

Élément ou composé inorganique présent à l'état naturel, souvent cristallisé, identifiable par sa composition chimique.

Word origin

The word developed from Latin mineralis, "of a mine," which was based on minera, "mine," as mine materials acquired a broader scientific meaning.

Usage tips

  • In health contexts, les minéraux usually means dietary minerals such as calcium or iron, not visible pieces of rock.

Opposites

  • substance organiqueorganic substancenoun

Word lists with this word