mineralize

[ min-er-uh-lahyz, min-ruh- ]

verb (used with object)

, min·er·al·ized, min·er·al·iz·ing.

1. to convert into a mineral substance.
2. to transform (a metal) into an ore.
3. to impregnate or supply with mineral substances.

verb (used without object)

, min·er·al·ized, min·er·al·iz·ing.

1. to study or collect the minerals of a region.

mineralize

/ ˈmɪnərəˌlaɪz; ˈmɪnrə- /

verb

1. 1. to impregnate (organic matter, water, etc) with a mineral substance
   2. to convert (such matter) into a mineral; petrify
2. (of gases, vapours, etc, in magma) to transform (a metal) into an ore

Derived Forms

• ˌmineraliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• miner·al·i·zation noun
• miner·al·izer noun
• remin·er·al·i·zation noun
• re·miner·al·ize verb remineralized remineralizing
• re·miner·al·izer noun
• semi·miner·al·ized adjective
• under·miner·al·i·zation noun
• un·miner·al·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mineralize¹

First recorded in 1645–55; mineral + -ize

Example Sentences

The team examined mineralized structures within the sharks’ cartilage skeletons.

From New York Times

Results of the study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, suggest thresher shark vertebral anatomy and mineralized microstructure meet the demands required for fast swimming and tail-whipping behavior seen in these species.

From Science Daily

Many organisms can produce minerals or mineralized tissue.

From Science Daily

“We can give you the perfectly mineralized recipe.”

From Seattle Times

In at least one instance, plant species present in the mineralized plaque of a Neanderthal individual's teeth point to digesta as a source of nutrients.

From Salon