First Known Use: 1690
Dictionary
mineralogy
noun min·er·al·o·gy \ˌmi-nə-ˈrä-lə-jē, -ˈra-\
: the scientific study of minerals
Full Definition of MINERALOGY
1
: a science dealing with minerals, their crystallography, properties, classification, and the ways of distinguishing them
2
: the mineralogical characteristics of an area, a rock, or a rock formation
— min·er·al·og·i·cal \ˌmi-nə-rə-ˈlä-ji-kəl, ˌmin-rə-\ also min·er·al·og·ic \-ˈlä-jik\ adjective
— min·er·al·og·i·cal·ly \-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
— min·er·al·o·gist \ˌmi-nə-ˈrä-lə-jist, -ˈra-\ noun
See mineralogy defined for English-language learners
See mineralogy defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MINERALOGY
probably from New Latin *mineralogia, irregular from Medieval Latin minerale + Latin -logia -logy
Learn More About MINERALOGY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: mineral oilPrevious Word in the Dictionary: mineralocorticoidAll Words Near: mineralogy
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up mineralogy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).