mine
Pronunciation: (mīn), [key]
— pron.
- a form of the possessive case of I used as a predicate adjective: The yellow sweater is mine.
- something that belongs to me: Mine is the red car.
- my (used before a word beginning with a vowel or a silent h, or following a noun): mine eyes; lady mine.
mine
Pronunciation: (mīn), [key]
— n., v., mined, min•ing.
—n.
- an excavation made in the earth for the purpose of extracting ores, coal, precious stones, etc.
- a place where such minerals may be obtained, either by excavation or by washing the soil.
- a natural deposit of such minerals.
- an abundant source; store: a mine of information.
- a device containing a charge of explosive in a watertight casing, floating on or moored beneath the surface of the water for the purpose of blowing up an enemy ship that strikes it or passes close by it.
- a similar device used on land against personnel or vehicles; land mine.
- a subterranean passage made to extend under an enemy's works or position, as for the purpose of securing access or of depositing explosives for blowing up a military position.
- a passageway in the parenchyma of a leaf, made by certain insects.
—v.i.
- to dig in the earth for the purpose of extracting ores, coal, etc.; make a mine.
- to extract coal, ore, or the like, from a mine.
- to make subterranean passages.
- to place or lay mines, as in military or naval operations.
—v.t.
- to dig in (earth, rock, etc.) in order to obtain ores, coal, etc.
- to extract (ore, coal, etc.) from a mine.
- to avail oneself of or draw useful or valuable material from: to mine every reference book available in writing the term paper.
- to use, esp. a natural resource: to mine the nation's forests.
- to make subterranean passages in or under; burrow.
- to make (passages, tunnels, etc.) by digging or burrowing.
- to dig away or remove the foundations of.
- to place or lay military or naval mines under: to mine an enemy supply road.
- to grow crops in (soil) over an extended time without fertilizing.
- to remove (a natural resource) from its source without attempting to replenish it.
Min.E.
- Mineral Engineer.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.